Q4 brings about change and helps us to look forward to the ending of a very challenging year that has stretched, challenged, and in many ways, redefined many of our businesses. Many of the people in my network have expressed how they’ve transitioned their business and that it’s exciting to think about the new direction they have found; while many others are still struggling to make what used to seem easy still work for them.
Many of us can agree that what once was normal is no longer a viable option. We need to think about the new norm and all the amazing possibilities that come with it. Here’s where we have choices… Do we learn to pivot, or do we quit? Do we learn to refocus our direction, or perhaps stay on the same path a little while longer?
My heart aches for business owners, especially those in the restaurant industry, who have limited choices. BUT… even there I am seeing innovative ideas flourish when the opportunities arise and brilliant people accepting the help of innovators.
This incredibly challenging time has inspired many to create new products, offerings, and services that support their clients and community in a way they had never thought of in the past. However, I’m also seeing many creative souls with amazing ideas and offerings holding back on sharing their brilliance because they’re too concerned with how they will be perceived by their audience.
Yes, we’ve all had those, “I don’t want to be salesy.” and “People don’t have money right now.” conversations. Early on, I received some really great advice as I heard those words coming out of my own mouth. The advice I received… people are still spending money on products and services that will help them move forward, and if yours does that, the people who need it will pay you for it.
Being creative is a struggle for many entrepreneurs. Most of the time we get so busy creating that we get lost in the busy-ness of it all and we forget that we need to share our brilliance with the world. Yes, I too, am one of the creative souls that I work so hard to help. And yes, I too, seek help to meet the challenges of getting stuck in the weeds of creating.
Sometimes we need the support of other people to help us move to the next level in business, and that takes a different set of eyes to help us see. I’m blessed to have an amazing network of people who support me in my work and encourage me to grow and push myself to meet the challenges of that growth. Yes, even coaches hire coaches.
Who do you have? Are you staying connected with your network? Is your network the kind of network that has your back? If not, perhaps it’s time you take the next step with your network and start building a core group that will support you, refer you, and hold you accountable to yourself and the goals you’ve set for yourself.
I love networking, but it’s really about connecting and creating relationships. It’s a journey, it’s a process. Don’t dismiss it by saying networking doesn’t work if you haven’t taken the time to connect with the people you’ve met. It takes trust before someone will allow you to see the inner workings of their life or business, and trust is absolutely necessary before they willingly share you with their connections.
To that end, virtual networking has taken a huge leap forward and has taken many of us out of our comfort zones. Fortunately, it’s a great way to stay connected in these challenging times. Many of us (especially people who like being with other people) have had to overcome their urge to avoid the camera to feel connected. In fact, virtual networking has taken on a whole new meaning for many organizations and professional speakers.
Fortunately for me, I’m familiar with Zoom and I love to teach. I’ve been asked by many organizations to talk about my favorite subject, “Crafting Your 30 Second Message,” and a new talk I’ve developed, “How to Network Online,” which is about Zoom best practices. You’d be surprised at how many people show up on Zoom in an unprofessional manner and expect people to hire them. SHOCKER!
How you show up online is just as important as what you say because… YOU are your brand!
I get totally jazzed when presenting to a group online and I witness transformation after transformation as attendees realize the potential impact they can make with some simple shifts to their message, how they show up, and how they connect. If you are looking for a dynamic virtual speaker to breath a spark of energy into your virtual meetings, message me for more information or schedule a chat.
