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10 Networking Tips to Stand Out in a Crowd

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:00:35 +0000

I really enjoy meeting new people and connecting with like-minded professionals. These past weeks, I attended some unique and rewarding networking events in New York City. I’ve noted that there is a direct relationship between great opportunities and a diverse and reliable network. Below are some networking tips that that I have learned and continue to refine over the years:

Be yourself and be trustworthy. Let people know who you really are. Authenticity is the way to create healthy and trustworthy relationships.
Know how to introduce yourself. Be ready to respond when others ask you: “What are you working on?” or “What do you do?” You have one chance to make a good first impression.
Be smart when deciding who to network with. Strategically pick groups where you can contribute your expertise and obtain what you are looking for: partnerships, new knowledge, mentoring, referrals, or new business.
Ask open-ended questions to spark the conversation. Questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no limit the scope of conversation. Open up the dialogue by asking questions that begin with: who, what, where, when, and how. This will get the conversation flowing and will show interest on your part.
Listen twice as much as you speak. If you are asking good questions, you will get good conversation. Listen for insights. When speaking be generous sharing ideas, feedback, and resources.
Maintain a focus on giving. The approach “how can I help you?” instead of “what can I get from you?” goes a long way. I believe that those who sincerely give without expecting anything in return, end up receiving more.
Know what makes you unique and convey it to others. If you are one of many, you will not stand out and most likely be lost in the crowd. Flag your competitive advantage—strengths, skills, and/or knowledge—that make you most valuable.
Bring plenty of business cards and distribute them. Make sure your business cards have all the necessary contact information. Write helpful reminders on the cards you collect; i.e. common interests, traveled to, s/he likes to, etc.
Follow-through quickly. Send an email. Connect on Linkedin, be-friend on Facebook, or follow your new contact on Twitter, especially those you feel connected with. Don’t let new business cards get lost in your desk drawer.
Build relationships with those who may benefit from your expertise and vice versa. Setup a call on Skype, meet for coffee, or arrange to meet-up at a future networking event, etc.

Don’t attend a networking event if you don’t have business cards, an online presence, and your “who can I help you?” hat on. For more on networking read, “Networking Strategies to Thrive in a Tough Economy” and “How to Become a Successful Networker.”

If you have any other networking tips or any comments, please share them below.

Networking Strategies to Thrive in a Tough Economy

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:28:03 +0000

You have heard it said over and over again: “It’s not what you know but who you know that makes the difference.” This unknown proverb has become the wisdom of the ages, passed down from mentors, parents, coaches, and career counselors.

Networking is important and critical for success. Whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, student, leader, or professional, strong networking skills will eventually pay off. Opportunities multiply when you have a reliable and diverse network of friends and colleagues.

Technology, social media in particular, has allowed introverted types to interact socially with more confidence. Social networking websites have given users access to see and connect with others that they would have not been able to connect otherwise.

What networking is:
In his book, Endless Referrals, Bob Burg, provides my favorite definition of networking: “I like to define networking as cultivating mutually beneficial, give-and-take, win-win relationships… The end result may be to develop a large and diverse group of people who will gladly and continually refer a lot of business to us, while we do the same for them.” I have little to add to Burg’s words, except that networking is more about other people than it is about you. Networking is about relating and filling someone else’s need(s).

What networking is not:
Networking is not about popularity. Some people believe (or have been convinced by internet marketers and even consultants) that a high count of fans or followers will bring business knocking at the door. Let me say it in another way: online favoritism (“I likes” and “retweets” will not get you that job you are targeting.

I have learned a lot from Seth Godin over the years. In a recent interview at the AMEX OPEN Forum, Godin was asked how social networking can benefit businesses. He ranted that networking is not about keeping score by adding a bunch of people on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and/or LinkedIn: “Networking is always important when it’s real. And it’s always a useless distraction when it’s fake.” What makes it real? Try engaging and doing something for someone else.

We can agree that social networking has revolutionized the web and continues to provide dozens of accessible and effective marketing tools for small and large businesses. It has also helped us reconnect with long-lost friends from school, college, and past co-workers.

Yet connecting with people online doesn’t just transfer into business. A valuable exchange needs to happen; an exchange of information, knowledge, and/or resources between two parties. That’s the first secret to successful networking.

For more successful and practical networking strategies read “10 Networking Tips to Standout in a Crowd” and “How to Become a Successful Networker.“

Follow your Heart: Challenge Whatever Holds You Back

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:36:16 +0000

In a recent article, Follow your Heart: Dare to Believe it is Possible, I proposed that the common thing that stands between a person and what they want to accomplish in life is often the willingness to dare and the faith to believe that it is possible.

This time, I want to challenge and dismiss three myths that often stand in the way of dreams and hold people back.

Photo by Reshat Fanana

A myth is a misrepresentation of the truth, a false belief or idea. Despite the misrepresented and distorted nature of myths, many are widely held in society today. Myths are often the result of cultural, social, religious, and family upbringings. Therefore, they are ingrained in our psyche and shape the way we live, behave, and make decisions, both at a conscious and/or unconscious level.

I believe the following three myths often stand in the way of following our hearts.

Myth 1: If I follow my heart, I may disappoint others.

It is virtually impossible to meet other people’s expectations all the time. Your family, friends, and colleagues have expectations about you and for you. They may think they know what is best. In spite their best intentions, your heart may take you in a different direction. Some will like where you are going and some will not. Decisions, as most processes in life, come with gains and losses. You can only do so much to avoid disappointment in others. However, there is once thing I recommend: be considerate of others and seek to wise counsel. After all, doing what makes you come alive will bring life and happiness to others.

Myth 2: If I follow my heart, I may fail.

Many have grown-up to believe that failure is a bad thing and must be avoided at all costs. Our society is obsessed with perfection and success, thereby resulting in an unhealthy fear of failure. This fear of failure has paralyzed many hearts. Following your heart is sometimes considered as challenging the status quo. The status quo proposes that you follow the motions and the things everyone else does. There is an unspoken myth that if you fall outside the way “everyone does it” you may fail. Truth is that failure may come either way, if you follow your heart or not. Failure helps us grow and become better people; better parents, leaders, friends, and workers. Can you live with failure? I bet you can. The reward and satisfaction that comes from following your heart is far greater than failure

Myth 3: If I follow my heart, I may be criticized.
People have a tendency to criticize. You may be criticized if you run with the crowd, if you stand out among the crowd, or if you run away from the crowd. Chances are others will voice their opinions and comment about the things you do. Criticism comes in two ways, constructive and destructive. One fosters improvement and the later may freeze you from doing anything at all. Don’t let a destructive critic dictate the decisions in your life.

These myths are also alive in some organizations. Leaders, managers, and CEO’s have major decisions to make on a daily basis. The thought of disappointing subordinates, co-workers, and board members can be paralyzing. The thought of failing to implement, execute, and/or deliver successfully may shoot stress levels over the roof. Falling prey to criticism by the media or by consumers is indeed horrifying.

Do you relate with one or more of these myths?
Have you not followed your heart because of myths?

Odds are that you relate. The good news is that you don’t have to live by these or any other myth any longer. The first step to dispel a myth is to recognize it. Second, have faith and follow your heart. Finally, experience the joy and let others know!

Go ahead and follow your heart. Ask someone out. Change careers. Start a business. Pray and know God. Sign-up for that marathon. Forgive and restore a broken relationship. Take a yoga class. Volunteer at a not-for-profit. Launch that new product. Get married.

Your heart is speaking. Are you listening?

Follow your Heart: Dare to Believe it is Possible

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:56:27 +0000

How would your life look if you dared to follow your heart? What prevents you from actually taking action?

Unfortunately, only a few dare to live the life they want.

Photo by Emily M.

According to Webster’s dictionary, the verb “dare” is defined as: “To have adequate or sufficient courage for any purpose; to be bold or venturesome; not to be afraid; to venture.”

Daring to follow your heart is not an easy pursuit. It may require,

an honest and careful consideration of family, career, and finances;
the courage to venture onto paths you may not have set foot on before;
decisions which are generally considered uncommon; as well as,
overcoming limiting beliefs about yourself, i.e. “I’m not good enough!” and “I will not make it.”

It is important to note that there is a clear distinction between following your heart and acting on impulse. Following your heart involves self-reflection and acting on impulse does not. Following your heart is not about quitting your job and figure out what you want to do next. It’s not about buying a plane ticket, traveling the world, and dealing with reality once you get back. It’s not about pursuing someone else (when you are in a committed relationship) simply because you decided to “follow your heart.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs

Last year, I quit my job working at a major Business School in California and moved to Italy. My heart was directing me to take some time off to travel, explore, and reflect. I rented an apartment in Tuscany to enhance my Italian language and travel the country to discover, experience, and photograph 33 cities. I was motivated by my zeal for adventure, knowledge, people, and culture, combined with a sincere desire for personal growth and life-changing experiences. In many circles, this is considered an irresponsible/unusual move, that may produce concerns and fear. Convinced to follow my heart, I entered this journey with an open mind and heart.

Before making the move, I drafted a plan that allowed me to continue serving clients through Leadership Fuel, the coaching and consulting practice I began in 2006. This plan included the necessary arrangements to support my clients remotely while living abroad. I now have an established organization that serves and supports professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders all over the world; in places such as China, Argentina, France, Indonesia, Canada, and United States.

So, how did I achieve this? What made this happened? Nothing special. I am not different from any of you. The difference was I dared. That’s all it took. I dared to follow my heart. I dared to make mistakes and learn from them. I dared to do what makes me come alive while acting responsibly, keeping my integrity, and being true to myself. Was I sure it was all going to work out exactly how I planned it? Of course not, but I am happy and satisfied how it all turned out!

You may be thinking, “What have I wanted to do for so long, but lacked the courage?” “What would it take to trust my heart?” “What’s at stake if I only dare?”

I don’t know what your heart is telling you now. Maybe you feel it is time to take a leap of faith and dare. If that is the case, congratulations! Let me support you in this process. As your personal coach, I will help you gain clarity, define priorities, plan responsibly, take action, and assure you stay on track.

Daring makes most things in life possible.

When you dare to follow your heart, you dare to be true to who you really are.

Personality begins where comparison ends…

Jorge Fusaro — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:32:57 +0000

I recently came across this quote by German-born fashion designer and artist Karl Lagerfeld:

“Personality begins where comparison ends.”

Personality is the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of a person. When we talk about character, we essentially speak of the qualities and distinctions which make a person unique. This uniqueness is worthy to be embraced. It makes you special and singular. There is no one like you.

The trouble people constantly face in our self-centered and materialistic culture is they cannot stop comparing themselves to others, specially when it comes to external looks and items we possess, or not. Lagerfeld does make a point about style. What if we all stop comparing ourselves?

Everyone has their own style. Embrace your style. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Style belongs to you. You are the owner, the leader, the trendsetter, and the remixer when it come to style. You determine how you want to style yourself.

In a way, style is in the eye of the beholder. Don’t let comparison determine your level of confidence. Let your true personality shine!

Daylighting

Jorge Fusaro — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:15:51 +0000

Some call it the side hustle, others call it the side project, but it’s been coined as “daylighting” – working jobs on the side while at another one. And for young creative professionals, it’s become a way of life. “The slash/slash generation are best described as do-it-all teens and twenty-somethings that undertake multiple careers – often creating brand names for themselves.” While the notion of employees doing their “own thing” at a business can be threatening, it may also be an opportunity for those who manage it responsibly.

How can companies free people in the slash/slash generation from the rigidity of corporate policy?

Can companies accommodate multiple interests and passions to further develop the potential of their employees?

What if they actually allow, or even encourage, “daylighting”?

via Encourage Daylighting from Behance Magazine.

Trends in Higher Education

Jorge Fusaro — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:11:00 +0000

“Trends in Higher Education,” is published twice annually, last published in August 2008. The special issue (compiled by Phyllis T.H. Grummon, PhD., Director of Planning and Education SCUP) looks at the state of Higher Education and: Demographics, Economics, Environment, Global Education, Learning, Politics.

For more information visit the Society for College and University Planning at: www.scup.org

“My Favorite Business Book” website

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:04:57 +0000

The folks at ChangeThis have release their latest project, the “My Favorite Business Book” website. ChangeThis is on a mission to spread important ideas and change minds. The purpose of their new project is to create a peer-generated bibliography of the best and most useful business books.

Visit the website. You can read reviews or share a personal story of how the book helped you in business and/or life. It’s easy to get started and no sign-up info is required. It’s just as easy as posting a comment on a blog.

The best part is that you get to sign your name with a “live link” included, which links readers back to your blog or website.

Rethinking Life in Recession Times

Jorge Fusaro — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:07:28 +0000

The current economic crisis continues to push millions of Americans (and non-Americans) to rethink different aspects of life. They are exploring the state and quality of, their: relationships, careers, goals, dreams, finances, spirituality, etc. They are asking questions that have not surfaced before or they have ignored in the past.

Are you one of these millions of people? Perhaps you are asking yourself some of the questions below:

Am I pursuing my passion?
What is #1 for me? Is it family, work, career, spirituality, play, party, or myself?
Do I have a healthy balance in my life?
Am I happy with my career?
Am I really spending adequate time with my family, spouse, and children?
If I get fired or downsized from my company, what would I do next?
Do I have enough resources in my rainy-day fund? Or, do I have one?
Fill in the blank: ______________?

It has been said, that tough times, can either make you or break you. They occur when you least expect them to or when you are least prepared. It is your decision whether to transform this tough time into a positive or negative learning experience. Tough times present opportunities which reveal the true character of people and society. What is this crisis revealing about you?

Take some time to ponder the questions that may be coming to you now. How are you reacting to them? Are you engaging them? Are you sharing some of these questions with trusted people to help you process them? As I have mentioned before, we were not created to live life on our own. Life is complex and it’s important to have the right support system to succeed. As you prepare for the next year and reflect on your life, ask yourself:

What is most important for me?
Am I living on a budget or spending as I feel?
What new change or improvement in my life will fill me with most joy?
What do I want to accomplish this coming year?

As a personal leadership and career coach, I want to encourage you to take action and ownership of your life. Discover what is more important to you and those around you. Commit to living the life you want!

Free 30-min Coaching Test Drive!

Jorge Fusaro — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:06:03 +0000

There is no better way to decide if coaching is right for you than trying it out. I offer a 30-minute free coaching session to potential clients that want to experience greater success in their personal and professional life. In this session, we begin to establish trust and “open the hood” for positive ignition in your life. We discuss key areas of your life where coaching can fuel positive impact. You will honestly explore your commitment to succeeding in your life and achieving your goals. You will walk away empowered with clear steps to immediatedly begin taking action. This session is completely free and has no strings-attached. If we agree on working together, we will setup a regular day and time, and begin moving forward to create the life you always wanted.