Erika's Blog - Northern Connections

I went to a business breakfast meeting a while ago and just recently found the notes that I took during the keynote speaker's presentation. She had us write down 3 things that we are thankful for. I wrote "my family, a good secure job and living in Canada". When I think of what people in other countries are going through, it's easy to be thankful for what we enjoy, or sometimes take for granted. If you can start you day with positive, happy thoughts, giving thanks to God, it will be a better day. I have learned to slow down, stay in the moment as much as possible, and absorb the good things around me. Whether it be good people I work with, a comfortable home, the love of my family, or the health that I enjoy. I certainly could be in better health, but I'm reasonably satisfied with where I am right now. Someone said "when one person shines, we all gain". We can be enriched by others talents and gifts and share in their experiences. Take a moment each day and be thankful. It will make you shine.

Labels: inspiration, self care, spirituality

The best way to begin networking is to ask questions of the other person and their company. Learn what you can about them and their interests. When asking for their business card, ask who would be their best client so you can help them get referrals. Develop a data base of all the contacts you make with notations that remind you of your meeting. Cultivate a business relationship over a period of time. Keep in touch by sending them something of interest or value so they know you are thinking of them. Developing a business relationship will lead to opportunities for both parties. Wouldn't you refer someone that you know and have dealt with in the past? The same will happen to your business. Guess what? By fostering a strategic business friendship, you will be "top of the mind" when the opportunity for that referral comes up. Peter Drucker said 30 years ago, the purpose of business is "to create and keep a customer". That is still true today. Eventually your networking efforts will pay off.

Labels: business, networking

I just finished reading a book called Endless Referrals. It was written a couple of years back, but the practises are common and have been used for a long time. The main thought is that the average person knows 250 people who they come in contact with throughout their lives. The first step in gaining referrals is to develop a relationship with your circle of people. As you offer to do things for them, without any expectations, you will build trust and a mutual friendship. Over time and as your circle comes to know, respect and trust you, referrals will start to come in from those you have helped. You now have access to their circle of 250 people. You can see how the ball starts to roll and your network expands. However, the main concept is to be a genuine, caring giver first. Then it becomes human nature that those you have helped will want to help you too by sending business your way.

www.erikamartlew.com

Labels: business, networking

It has been a very stressful week. My web site (and subsequently, My Blog) have been down. It took me several phone calls over the course of a few days to the domain registrar as well as my host server to figure out how to get back up, which we managed to do today. YAY!!! I am so relieved. There is nothing worse than feeling disconnected and wondering if people are trying to view your site only to get a Parked Page message. Thank goodness I have lots of patience. Godaddy sent me a customer survey to complete, and they are certainly going to get my 2 cents worth. Anyway, hopefully all will be well again in my world and I can continue merrily blogging and writing articles.

Labels: business, stress