Project: What’s Your Network Tell Others About Your Net Worth?

Does what you say, all the little nuances of what you do, add up to scream money?

Are you genuine? If the very people you are interacting with caught you unaware at home or in your office cubicle, would they catch the same person?

Are you altruistic in your behavior? Do you attend events that benefit not-for-profit organizations?

Are you dependable? If you are the speaker, be ready to speak. Be on time, tune into the people and their needs.

Are you prepared and articulate? You don’t have to get your cue cards all in a row, but make sure you feel comfortable, so you’re not on the spot. And a few business cards up your sleeve? Perfect!

Are you creative? Why is networking looked at as unfavorable? Because it’s un-favorable. Volunteer to plan an event and make it diverse.

All these things add up to net worth. They say time is money. All this time you are spending with others is their time as well.

Your genuineness, your altruistic behavior, your dependability, etc., ends up being the net worth of your time. How much is your time worth? Can you put a price tag on it? Or is the integrity of your word and the networking and interactions amongst your colleagues, both old and new alike, and their respect for you as a valuable asset enough?

What does your network tell others about your net worth? How valuable is your time? And how do you value others' time?

The next time you go to a networking event, remember that if time is really money others are paying as well.

-The Green Couch

Project: Burger Queen And Dairy King

Dear Entrepreneurs and Esteemed Employees,

No matter how vast or how specific your talents and skill sets may be, hone them and own them. Don’t compare your blooper reel to the highlight and credit role of those around you. Don’t quantify bullet points or question the number of blazing balls others can juggle, or the fact that others can even juggle.

And just because they can do notable, Pulitzer and peace-prize-winning acts all while changing the “M” in front of their illionaire status to a “B” does not mean you aren’t great at what you do or have a personal greater calling.

No matter how many miles you can walk in someone else’s shoes, when it comes to comparing your talents, your skills and your success rate, do not feel pressured to trade in your penny loafers for steeled toes, or your sandals for stilettos. Do not feel pressured to trade in your Queenly status for the King’s. Whether you flip burgers or serve ice cream, go with it; hone it and own it.

It is not about being better; it’s about believing in your dreams and your capabilities.

It’s about believing in your burger flipping capabilities and being a King at it.

-The Green Couch

Project: In The Know For On-The-Go Networking

You were given an in-depth course last week regarding networking etiquette. While we did not cover what to wear and whether the Donald Trump comb over (or would that be comb forward?) is a necessity to make an impressionable entrance for a business maneuver, you should now know the 5-Ups to networking. 

(As I write this, I realize there may just be a rather frivolous number 6 to the Line Up, and that is never to show up to a meeting with a 7-Up can.)

Regardless, the rules are simple: Stand Up, Follow-up, Keep Up, Show Up, Grow Up.

That may sound harsh when written out, but if you missed the last Project Blog, check it out before you continue on because today, as promised, we address three hotspots where you can successfully network.

We are going to approach formal and a few informal styles that will help give you that edge that keeps everyone talking. It is a venue where business cards are key and the touch keys on your cell phones, for just a few hours, can get a break.

Chamber of Commerce: a great place to get to know your community as a local business owner and to understand its needs. Become aware of those whom you can help, those who can help you grow and in turn understand and refine your target audience through insight from small mom and pop shops to the pros. This is a proactive way to get your voice heard not just for networking but on behalf of all enterprising dreams across the nation.

https://www.uschamber.com/members/join-chamber

BNI: (Business Networking International) a local business collaboration with global outreaches. Each chapter has a “one of each” motto. It is not a competition within your own niche. No two companies within the same regional chapter can represent the same field, or business. You send referrals to one another, demonstrate and elaborate upon the kind of clients for which you are looking. This professional atmosphere encourages entrepreneurs, helps them build long-term quality relationships and all through word-of-mouth.

http://www.bni.com/FindaChapter/tabid/53/Default.aspx

LinkedIn: you will not need your business card here, but this replicates your online business card, resumé and public profile. This is where you connect with colleagues and how you get endorsed. Yes, endorsed. It may not be the way Gatorade endorses star athletes, but it has the same affect for your job performance. People whom you have or do associate with can recognize your work and endorse you for those skills. That impact will lead to promotions, referrals and additional connections. So, maintain your LinkedIn account with relevant information to your field – for example dress for the job you want? Post material with that same mindset: This is not Facebook. So don’t post, How Southern Are You or What Disney Frozen Character Do You Most Resemble?

There’s over 300 million professionals that are logged in, the way we can link our name to hundreds if not thousands to them are unimaginable.

https://www.linkedin.com

We are always on-the-go, and now you are in the know. Networking is an entrepreneur’s ally. Getting someone to believe in your dream, to see just a glimpse of what you see, could just happen at or through one of these avenues.

-The Green Couch