Linking You to the EXPERTS: The Aftermath of Christmas

Linking You to the EXPERTS: The Aftermath of Christmas: Life is strange.... Just a few weeks ago there was a huge hype leading up to Christmas.  Today it’s history! Christmas has come and gone...

The Aftermath of Christmas

Life is strange....

Just a few weeks ago there was a huge hype leading up to Christmas.  Today it’s history! Christmas has come and gone. 

What was your experience of Christmas?  What does the whole season mean to you? Now that its past how has your life changed – if at all?

We spend a lot of precious time working up enthusiasm for an occasion.  We think, we plan, perhaps take a little action.  Then it’s all over.  If you measure the time spent in preparation and wishing compared to the time of the actual event do they balance?  Generally I think not....

How can we reverse this?   Spending so much time longing for something to happen seems to be a bit of a waste of valuable time.  Yes, preparation is necessary for every occasion but I want to balance the time in preparation with the time spent enjoying.  We need to live more in the here and now world.  Enjoy life around you.  Truly see the beauty we are surrounded by.

What are your plans for 2013?  What do you aim to achieve?  What are you prepared to do to win that achievement?

If you have not already done it then sit down now and work out an exciting plan for the year ahead.  As always start with the end in mind.  Come Christmas 2013 what do you want to be truly excited about? Why do you want that?  What will you benefit from that achievement? Is it still the dream you want to pursue?   Great.  Now what do you need to do to set this dream in motion? Write it down. Map it out for the next 12mts.   Give yourself a little time to get this right.  Then once done you can start to enjoy the journey of achieving your goal. No more waiting and longing for.  Enjoy the journey to achieving that moment just as much as you enjoy the actual occasion.

Here’s wishing you every Blessing you wish upon yourself for a successful 2013

The Importance of Networking

Go Networking!

Last night I went to a regular Networking event.   Our speaker was Andy Preston who is a true Professional Speaker who “Walks the Talk”... fabulous, thank you Andy.
Have a look for yourselves - http://www.andypreston.com

The one thing I noticed was the number of attendees had declined as I have noticed at all the events I recently attend.  This confuses me....

People talk about a recession – still.   They say they are not getting the business they would like...  But what are they doing to win that business they would like?

Last night, and other events, are golden opportunities to Market your business in a very cost effective way.  From last night alone I have already arranged 4 x 1-1 with new clients.  Like the lottery says “If your not in it you can’t win it”.

Today I read the Networking Top Tip from Andy Lopata - “In Sight In Mind”.... 

This is a very interesting point and links in perfectly with my point about people not coming out to find new clients.  Have a read for yourself...

“Many people are critical of status updates on Facebook and LinkedIn and tweets on Twitter. Yet they play a much underestimated role in keeping people in touch with each other. 

Time is scarcer than it's ever been, with so many demands on it both in our work and personal time. It's harder for many to find the time to keep in touch with old friends, colleagues and clients, particularly when our circumstances change such as moving onto other jobs, into new areas or new relationships.

In the past, many people would have seen old relationships disappear and be replaced by new friendships. Yet, if the friendship was rooted in firm foundations, there is no reason for this other than time. Now we can keep in touch with friends and professional contacts by posting status updates and commenting on theirs. 

Such activity certainly doesn't replace physical contact, but can be very powerful in filling the gap when we don't see each other. And by keeping us in sight and in mind, it means that when we do see each other again, often it feels as though we've never been apart.”

Andy Lopata’s weekly “Connecting is not Enough”.. http://www.lopata.co.uk/

So, my message here today, backed by many other professionals is clear and simple...

To improve our business we MUST get out there and let potential clients know of our products and services. 

Go Networking!
www.linkagepoint.co.uk

You Suck At Sales

Recently I have written a bit on Professional Networking.   Included in this is the importance of building relationships with others when out and about.   To do this at events we must, at all time, avoid selling. 

And today, more than ever before, it seems we need to avoid selling at all times.   Instead we need to learn to handle a buyer’s marker because this is what the business market now is. 

Most people know what they want. All they need to find out now is who provides the very best goods or services they want.  My job is not to sell any more but to show I am the EXPERT provider of that product or service this potential customer need.

Today, when doing some research on Sales and Cold Calling I came across a wonderful article.  I found this so useful I have chosen to share some of it with you.   I do hope you get value for this too.  

Feedback would be great thank you. 

At the end of this is info on the provider....

You Suck At Sales

"Why? Very simply, it's because you're selling.

I define buying & selling different than most people. To me, buying is a pleasurable process where you happily exchange money for something you want or need.

Selling, on the other hand, is an uphill process of trying to convince someone that they want or need what you have. It's all about overcoming objections, coercion, manipulation... I'm getting a headache just thinking about it!

Selling is a tough job, and a losing battle. That's why salespeople suck at it. Likewise, being sold is not enjoyable to a customer. That's why people have built-in sales resistance, that's automatically and unconsciously triggered at any attempt at selling them.

A while back, author Neil Strauss came out with a book called The Game about his experiences in spending a few years with an underground society of so-called "pickup artists" who essentially boiled dating down to a science. Having met Neil a long time ago at a marketing event, I couldn't resist checking out the book, and it was interesting.

He tells the story of how women, who are approached by extremely attractive men they desire greatly, routinely reject them anyway - just because of how they approach the women!

In other words, they got rejected because they're basically selling instead of using a better approach.

And guess what - you're doing the same with your sales prospects. You may have a great product, at a great price that does a great service for your customers. But if you're selling you're not going to get anywhere.

The very best salespeople - the six figure earners - never sell. Instead, they create the circumstances for buying to take place, and sit back and simply let people buy."

If you are interested in following this further, as I am, then please check out Fran Rumbauskas.

Start Your Free Trial Now:
https://www.nevercoldcall.com/ordernow.php

The Rewards of taking ACTION

Have you ever done some consultancy work?  What are your thoughts on it?  

Ever stop to think the whole process through? 
What is the actual purpose of consultancy? 
How do you measure the outcome? 

For many years now I have worked in consultancy at all levels.  

Remember, if you are a parent advising your child that’s a form of consultancy.  When you are having a 1-1 advising a friend that’s consultancy.  Or you may be doing it on a professional business level as I do.

The very best outcome for me every time is to see the client act on my advice.  It’s very rewarding.

Recently I did a 30min presentation on “Professional Networking” to a Wirral business group called “Morning Mums”.  Although it was only 30min I wanted to share as many of the very important points as possible so this meant little time to explain anything in too much detail. 

Among these points is a list of homework to do ever before you leave the office.  They include:-

      Choosing your meeting properly to reflect the type of client you want

      Get yourself plenty of decent business cards

      Buy a professional, magnetic backed, name badge

      The ONLY place to wear it is on your TOP RIGHT shoulder

      And finally wear a jacket with 2 pockets.  Pop a wad of your own cards in your left and leave the right empty for all the new cards you will pick up.

This went down such a treat I have been asked to do the full 3hr workshop soon.  I’m delighted.

Then last week my colleague Paul Ashbury, from “Focus On Networking” www.focusonnetworking.co.uk did the 3hr workshop in Manchester on “Professional Networking”.   The workshop included the above list and much more.  Also there was more information on the “why do this”. 

As the workshop came to a close no one wanted Paul to stop.   The interest was phenomenal.  People are really becoming aware of the power of Networking and it’s great to see that the smart ones see it as a real profession. 

Hot Stuff:

      Really informative, good use of examples and great materials.

      The workshop was really great. It really got me thinking, very important information.

Thank You.

      The presentation was very informative and gives you a very good idea of how to

meet others and introduce yourself and your business to new people. Introductions to everyone first was a defrosted. (Broke the ice)

Yesterday I went along to Mark Greenwoods “Simply Networking” – www.simplynetworking.co.uk

This time we used the amazing Liverpool apartments “One Park West”.  The view from the apartments is unbelievable.  Have a look at www.oneparkwest.co.uk and chat to Jane Corlett. 

Among others networkers was a very special young lady who had been to the Manchester Workshop.  Lindsay is new to Networking.  She turned up as a very professional lady with lovely suit including the 2 pockets.  She had her own cards in the left and added the new cards to her right. 

As soon as Lindsay say me enter she came over to meet & greet me.  We had a great natter on her homework since the workshop.  Her enthusiasm was fabulous.  I could not have asked for a better pupil.  It’s people like Lindsay who make my work so rewarding.  Thank you Lindsay for listening to my advice and then taking ACTION.  Well done. Have a look at www.arbonneinternational.co.uk

I’m also very pleased to say that Lindsay kindly donated a gift to the fundraising raffle for the “Student Exchange to Hong Kong”. 

Who Says Networking is Useless!

Yesterday I had an excellent time at Mark Greenwood’s “Simply Networking” in Manchester.  As ever a wonderful host Simply Networking Site

And the venue was really different Chill Factor, Manchester Thank you Mark

As I had not been to the Manchester event before I was not expecting to meet people I know so my strategy was to speak to 10 new people.  That is an average of 12 minutes per meeting – 4min for them to make an introduction, 4 mins for me to do the same and 4mins for us to see how we can help each other. I say an average as some may be faster and, after all, we must allow time for a few cuppas!  I have come home with 9 new cards plus I actually found one person I know. 

And today is “follow up” day.   What is the point of making my way to Manchester, spending 2 hrs of my very valuable time there and trotting off home again if I do not follow up!!!  Yet, it is amazing how many behave in exactly this way.  They rush about to events, do not know how to work the room professionally and so annoy the professionals, waste lots of their precious time and do absolutely no follow up.   Then they moan that the event was no good!!!  So far ONE person has the initiative to contact me before I did him.   I’m impressed Gary...... you know who you are.  And of the remaining 8 no one has responded. So what responsibility and action are people taking for their own success?

Who says Networking is useless?  Those who do where did you learn the skills? How long were the training courses? What follow up did you learn?

Wondering what the hell I’m rambling on about?  Most people do when I first ask this and they are surprised to learn that the power of Professional Networking is very powerful indeed.

One experience yesterday was when I was in a “closed two” and interrupted by a lady.  She started her sales speal... Being a bit naffed off as we were talking some serious stuff; I said this is a “closed two”.  The poor lady is stiff looking at me as if I had horns on!   But she continued.  Only out of courtesy did I stop and listen to this lady.  As it happened she had some useful info to share but I now have a very bad opinion of her.  Remember business is all about other people’s opinions...

Why are people surprised to learn that networking is a real skill, a profession and like any profession, it must be learned?  If you walked into a bar for the first time would you expect to be able to pull a great pint of Guinness?  I doubt it.   So why are people thrown in at the deep end with networking?

Everyone serious about networking for new clients will want to know and DO more about this:-
Networking Skills Workshop

Here’s to a profitable week.

Agnes G. Fitzgerald
Linkage Point

tel                              mob                            web                         skype
+44 (0)8456 448 039 | +44 (0)7944 785 409 | linkagepoint.co.uk | agfitzgerald

Hong Kong Student Exchange

What changeable weather.....

Recently we talked about the annual Wirral Costa Walk.  Remember Harry’s “departure” picture.  Sadly, due to Data Protection, I am not allowed to upload pictures of the actual walk as I was not there to take them myself. Harry raised £114 from the walk. As yet I do not have the total of the other 9 walkers.

Prior to that there was the Bag Packing at Morrison’s, West Kirby.  That raised over £1,000... Apparently the gang worked very hard. Amazing for a day’s work though!   HUGE THANK YOU to all the shoppers who contributed and to Morrison’s for allowing the Team to be there.

Moving forward... this week there was Face Painting at Tom O’Shanter Farm in Bidston, Wirral. Will have to wait for next meeting to know how much that raised.  Then we had the 10K Memorials run on Sunday.  That started in Pall Mall in Liverpool, came through the Wallasey Tunnel and on to New Brighton. Weather was fantastic – at least for the helpers.  Harry & some of the Team were around the tunnel handing out water to the participants.  Today it's back to school so that’s enough about Harry & Team for now....

Before going to Hong Kong we have the Hong Kong students coming to Liverpool & Wirral.  To K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Students – accommodation for the visitors is arranged for all to stay under one roof.  The University in Liverpool has kindly obliged and are providing the beds complete with self catering.  All our Team has to do now is to show the students the wonders of Liverpool and Wirral and generally make sure our visitors have a wonderful stay.  We need them to return to Hong Kong “over the moon” with their experience. 

Part of the above task is FEEDING our visitors.  Here’s where I'm hoping you will help. 

Who do you know in Typhoo Tea in Moreton, Cadbury’s Chocolate in Moreton, Nestlé Breakfast Cereal in Bromborough, John West in Liverpool, Princes Ltd in Liverpool, United Biscuits (UK) Ltd in Liverpool to name just a few?  If you have contacts within other food outlets then we would love to have a chat.
 

Our task is to feed 24 healthy teens for 2 weeks.  As yet there are no menus set.  Beggars cannot be choosers I say!   Basically we will need cereal & milk, bread, butter and marmalade and ideally general contents of the “English Breakfast”.  Lunch will probably be pre packed in the form of sandwiches etc. Some fresh fruit would be great.  I expect we will need lots of beverages too.

Then for evenings I am hoping a few cafes and restaurants will come to our rescue.   For a little PR on the Internet (various outlets) they may supply an evening meal.  Personally I can see a lot of potential here.  If properly used, this is a super occasion for great publicity these days.

So, if you know someone with a bit of imagination then I’d love to have a cuppa with them. You can email, text or ring me.  And please share my info where relevant.  For your initial contact text is the safest bet. 
My mobile is +44 (0)7944 785 409 or agnes@linkagepoint.co.uk  

All donations gratefully accpted thank you. 

Till the next stage, here’s to a profitable week.

Agnes G. Fitzgerald

Student Exchange with Hong Kong

Harry Fitzgerald

For awhile now, well all too long really, I have been threatening to get back into the swing of blogging.  So, as it’s my birthday today, I have decided to make a start....

St Mary’s College, Wallasey, Wirral has over 1,500 pupils.   That included our son Harry.  We are thrilled that Harry is one of just 2 students chosen from St Mary’s to go on a student exchange trip to Hong Kong.  In all 10 young adults have been chosen from around the Wirral to represent St. Mary’s College and the Wirral in Hong Kong.   Effectively Harry is an ambassador for the college.

I'm sure they will all have an amazing and unforgettable experience however there is a lot of hard work to be done in the preparation.  The exchange programme is jointly organised by the Commission of Youth and the HKSAR (Hong Kong equivalent).  The purpose of the project is to provide opportunities for young people of Hong Kong and UK to broaden their horizon and international perspective and to exchange ideas and experiences with their counterparts in other countries.  The project is all to do with youth education. The theme is “Quality Life”. 

Initially these 10 strangers have to get to know each other. They must start some team building and learn who they can best work together for the good of the project.  Bonding is of huge importance within a successful team.  What a fantastic learning curve for future young business men and women of the North West.

Fundraising is a fundamental part of the team building.  This young group needs to dream up some unique ways to gain financial support and sponsorship.  So far they have done many of the conventional things like bag packing in a few of the supermarkets and face painting.

Now today, weather-wise, was fabulous for most of us.  However it was also our annual coastal walk on the Wirral.  Please spare a thought for those poor lads plodding along in the sweltering sunshine.  I’m delighted to say the team made it through.  Harry got home around 6pm.  I will have some pictures later in the week....

If any of you are interested in helping Harry and the team, either by making a financial donation, offering some food products to help cater for the visiting students (more about that in the next blog), or perhaps donating a raffle prize please let me know.  You can email, text or ring me.  For your initial contact text is the safest bet.  My mobile is +44 (0)7944 785 409 or email agnes@linkagepoint.co.uk   

Harry leaving for Coastal Walk today

 All donations gratefully accpted thank you. 

We are also open to fundraising tips please.

Till the next stage, here’s to a profitable week.

Agnes G. Fitzgerald

The Perfect Guest - Say Thank You

When you arrange to attend a networking event, how much thought do you give to the people organising it? It's very easy to take events for granted and forget that many of the people behind them have been planning and organising for several weeks (or months in many cases) and are on tenterhooks on the day of the event, waiting to see if everything will pass without hiccups.

In many cases, the people who organise events are volunteers, doing so because of their passion for networking, or for the community they are bringing together. They will remember both the people who show that they appreciate their efforts, and also the people who take them for granted. But for very different reasons. 

There are a few things you can do to recognise the efforts people make on your behalf:

1- If they are trying to grow their group, invite a guest who might fit well with the network and its objectives.

2 - If you have booked but can't attend, let people know and, if possible, explain why. Don't let the host of the event feel that you don't value their efforts. 

3 - If you've enjoyed the event, contact the organiser and thank them. Let them know what you most enjoyed. 

4 - If you make a good connection which leads to some business, a new job or another opportunity let the organisers know. Even if its months down the line. 

It doesn't take much to show your appreciation and make people feel valued. Unfortunately, most people don't do so, but that simply leaves an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd...in a positive way. 

This article has been shared with us by Andy Lopata - http//:www.andylopata.co.uk