Networking, Is It A time Waster?

I blurted out laughing in line at my favorite coffee house today. Why? Well, I heard someone discussing how terrible they felt about heading to a marketing conference next week. He didn't want to do the "go team" thing during any conference activities because - frankly- "that stuff doesn't apply in my day-to-day operations." His honestly was brutal, his candor made me laugh, and he was 100% right!

Here's the thing, conferences don't have to be a waste of time. Networking events can benefit you. The trick is to know how to navigate these activities.

If you don;t head into a conference thinking about what you will not learn, chances are you will capitalize on the extra time (yes, away from your desk and your clients) to do the following;

Meet new people and potential new employees
Hear amazing speakers and generate ideas for your firm
Crystallize strategies you may have been considering
Forge partnerships with other co-managing PR firms
Learn about new technologies and figure out how to be ahead of your competition
Un-learn bad habits - which happens
Create a notebook full of smart tactics to take back to the office and implement

I think life is all about attitude. Sure, the things learned at conferences will not always fit into your day-to-day operations' plan. But, if you implement them correctly, they can elevate your business overall.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

The Secret to Success

You want to be happy and successful in business, right? Well, the truth is they don't always go hand-in-hand- well, not at the very start of a venture. But, you can get to a place where you are happy and successful at the same time. Here's how;

1. Wake up and define a single expectation for the day. Don't list more than one or you will become overwhelmed. Keep a blank piece of paper next to your bed or on your dinning room table. When you wake up, even before you hit the bathroom, write down your single expectation for the day. When you come home from the table it will be an interesting test to see if you met the expectation or not. If not, consider why and then fix the issue tomorrow.

2. Make a list. Once you have set up your expectation for the day consider your next task. Start by making a list of the items you need to complete during the day and then schedule out how and when they will be completed. Having a plan for the day can keep you relaxed, focused and driving towards success.

3. Give a gift to everyone you meet. Yes, a gift to every new person in your life. You can easily send a five dollar Starbucks gift certificate via email to new personal and/or business contacts. It helps you stand out, show you care, and bridge potential future business leads.

These three things may seem small- and they are. But don't forget that small changes and yield big results!

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett