Harness Your Power: Get Out & Network

I went to a great event in Philadelphia last night focused on Women, Empowerment and Leadership.  It was hosted at the Constitution Center In Philadelphia which is a fabulous venue.  The featured speaker was Carla Harris, author of Expect to Win.  She gave great tips for success in the business world. It was an evening full of inspiration.  To top it off, I met some incredible new contacts.

Relationship building truly is a key to success.  Having a quality, top-rate group of people in your life is a catalyst on your journey to ever-evolving success.  It takes energy to get out and network.  Remember, it's not about the quantity of events you attend.  It's about choosing the right quality events to be part of.

When you get there, relax and be yourself.  Shine.  Extend a hand and get to know the people around you.  You are a valuable professional. You have much to offer based on your unique set of experiences, skills, personality and connections.  Look people in the eye with compassion and confidence as you shake their hand and greet them.

Last evening I went to the venue alone.  I walked the room several times with a smile on my face, looking for those who I felt drawn to connect with.  With time, I found myself in many interesting conversations--I met a fellow Princeton graduate, a top-executive who expressed interest in having me speak at an event and a distinguished woman who felt the need for a life coach after we chatted for a short time about self-confidence.

Now there is follow-up to do.  It's time to connect with those I met via email and set a time to get to know them even better.  I usually schedule a lunch or a coffee so I can deepen the relationship and know the person better.  This type of connection often leads to an important exchange of information and contacts and allows me to make a new friend.  Remember the words of Peter Drucker, "More business decisions occur over lunch and dinner than at any other time, yet no MBA courses are given on the subject."

So, get out there and get to know some new people.  Offer your kindness and your contacts to others and you will find that others will do the same for you.

May growing success meet your path!
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Say What You Mean

Through some business interactions I've had this week, I am reminded of the importance of using our words wisely.  Too often people say things and do not really mean them.  They make commitments with no intention to follow through.  Yet, the only way we have to build trust in our relationships (business and personal) is to make good on what we say we will do.

Say what you mean!  Mean what you say!



A few simple examples:

• If you say you are going to call someone at a particular time, do so!  Be on time.  Show people you respect them by writing down your appointments and making sure you call.  If you can't call, give them advance notice that there is a complication and you need to reschedule.
• If you are working with someone on a project or hiring someone, don't make empty promises.  Only commit to what you know you can truly provide.  It is better to under promise and over deliver than to over promise and ruin a relationship.
• If you are having trouble meeting an agreement that is in place, it is best to communicate and let the other person knowin advance.  Hiding, ignoring a person's calls and emails and hoping the situation will go away is NOT a good way to handle your business.  Be courageous and honest.  In doing so, you will gain more respect and you open the door to understanding.
• If you don't know what you are able to commit to, then just simply say, "Let me think about what I am able to do. I don't know yet." It is better to go away and think about the situation before making empty promises.

Hope these ideas help you in your business and personal matters.
Be a person of your word.

With my love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/