Archive for Connecting

Maslow on Sales and Connecting

Have you ever had what I call the “connected universe” experience?

You think of or dream about a friend, family member or person from your past and then the next day they call or you run into them? Well, it’s been happening to me so much I’m starting to think it’s a sign I’ve been neglecting some of the important people in my life.

That means you.

I’ve missed you here on the blog, and on twitter and Facebook. It isn’t that you’re forgotten, just that I’ve been away doing some other things. I’m back and ready to re-connect and hope you are too. For some of you, the absence has probably gone unnoticed since we only touch base every now and then, but for others – you’ve reached out to let me know you’ve missed me and I appreciate that!

 

All of this got me thinking about connecting.

I learned about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in high school sociology class. I find it amazing and reassuring that regardless of our sophistication and perceived progress, the need to connect – to belong – ranks just above basic needs for nourishment and physical safety.

Maslow's Hierachy of Needs

What do this have to do with sales?

I’m glad you asked!
Everything really.
Your list, subscribers and readers are people.
They are searching for solutions, help, education and entertainment.

To connect.
To know and be known.
To be heard and to hear.
To be supported and offer support.
The chance to make a friend and be a friend.

It’s so simple really.

Being a real, approachable person who will listen and is the foundation of success.
Joining forces, knowing we’re not alone is how simple steps yield incremental results.

How do you keep connected to those who inspire and motivate you?

Share in the comments and thanks for being part of my connections!

Build Buzz And Sales with Karl!

 

I had a great time talking to Karl Staib the genius behind PartyBizConnect.

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He shares some very personal experiences that helped him grow and build his online businesses.
Yes, more than one!

He knows how to help you generate buzz for your business, your book or just help you raise your online profile!
Check out how to participate or have your own party!

You can also check out his SuperPower info at WorkHappyNow!

Twitter: @PartyBizConnect

Check out the next party!




 

SoundAdvice Sound Stage

Teresa Cleveland accepted my offer to be my first interview, but turned the tables and interviewed me instead!  We talk about sales (what else) my new title: Salesologist and the sometimes elusive concept of confidence.

Let me know if you’d like to share your story. I want to highlight amazing people who are making a difference doing what they love!  If that’s you – leave a comment and I’ll be in touch!

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The other side of the Right People equation

You’re crystal clear about who your right people are.

 You have a detailed customer description.  You educate, inspire and love them. As a business owner or solopreneur – your motivation and intentions are righteous. Helping your best people is why you do what you do. It’s what gets you up in the morning and motivates you to tweet, and skype and engage until the wee hours.

 You’ve spent time and energy making sure you understand your right people. You ask for feedback, you design programs and write e-books about things they need. And want. 

Are you getting the results you need? And want?

Are you missing the other side of the equation?

In a recent conversation with Tami who writes at Targeted Traffic Strategies she asked “What do you want to be known for?”
Could it be that your right people can’t find you?
You may be sure about who you want to reach, but are you certain about you?

I recently wrote about being an expert. We often resist the designation out of a sense of modesty or discomfort with self promotion.
But the resistance is misguided. Being clear and intentional about what you do and who you serve is the only way your right people are going to recongnize you when they show up!

It’s the other side of the equation to client attraction.

They need to be as sure about you and what you offer as you are about them. Finding you will be easier. Connecting will be simpler and moving them from contact to client will be the natural next step. For both of you.

What do you want to be known for?

Customer Love Launching!

I know February is a short month, but wow did it go quickly.  I participated in the Customer Love Challenge and the pace was hectic, but exciting.  Congratulations to those who are launching today!  I’m doing a delayed launch – not quite ready for prime time yet but I didn’t want that to stop me from stretching my launch wings a bit too! 

It’s all because of you!

I’ve been inspired by so many of you, LaVonne and Jonathan of course but everyone else as well.  You’ve all be so generous with your time, ideas and the I-have-your-back warm fuzzies.  It’s been a wonderful experience. Thank you all for that!

I’ve been inspired.

 Time to be bold and do something I’ve never done before.  It’s an idea that has been bouncing around in my head for oh so long. I didn’t take action because the general consenus is that this is bad for business.  And maybe they are right.  But my motivations are different. It’s not about me – like all things customer love – it’s about YOU!

So excited to do this at last!

So with great fanfare and excitement I’m launching Free for Alls.  Free one hour consultations.  We can talk about anything sales and marketing related.  Now that we’re all launching, the salesy part can be the scariest for some.  Maybe that’s you. I’m here to help. 

Let’s work together to get your clients to say YES!

Sign Up Here

Any Questions? Ask them in the comments – others are probably wondering the same thing!   

PS  I can help you “get” the whole sales thing. Together we can take what you already know and make a sales plan that works for you. One that feels good and that you can enjoy implementing. Yes, online and offline. Yes, product or service based. What I can’t do? I can’t sell for you (well I can, but then you wouldn’t get the joy of doing it yourself!) and I can’t take the action.  That part is all you.

Being The New Kid or How To Meet People Anywhere

 

 In case you didn’t know, I moved 3 weeks ago.  My husband was offered a job in another area, and we had a short window of time to accept and move.  We decided to go for it, and packed up and headed from Columbus Ohio to Franklin Tennessee.  The last few weeks have been hectic but the move went well, and we are settling into life here. 

  Since I work from home, meeting new people is going to take some effort.  I’ve been thinking about ways to make that happen.   The good news is that I’ve been in this spot before.  My dad was in the Air Force, so I’ve been the new kid a few times in my life.  Years ago, when I moved to Columbus for a job I only knew 2 people and they were co-workers.  It struck me that meeting new people is a universal experience. 

Put Yourself Out There
You have to be open to meeting others.  Everything you do can help let others know you want to connect.  Simple things like making eye contact and smiling at a meeting or networking event will insure others will be open to chatting.  I like to have a few questions ready to get others talking.  People love to help.  I am interested in lots of things – and could honestly use some suggestions.  A good doctor, optometrist, hair dresser anyone?  I’m also interested in volunteer opportunities, a nice gym or personal trainer, an insurance agent – lots of things would be helpful to me in a new city.

Engage Online
Similar rules apply here too.  Find some people on twitter who are in your new city.  Engage with them, let them know you’re new and looking to connect with like minded people.  Again, asking for help and expressing an interest in who they are works great.  Be sure to acknowledge those who are helpful and use the courtesies you’d always extend to friends and colleagues.  Meetup.com is a great way to find groups on most any subject from books to business to parenting and sports.

Step Up, Join, Volunteer
A perfect way to meet people and get involved is to do something for others.  Finding a way to give back is easy.  A favorite cause, a faith-based organization, a community event or school organization will always welcome your time, energy and support.  Reach out, and ask how you can help. 

Have A Plan
This is optional but if you have a goal to meet 1 new person a week, or 2 new people a month -or whatever works for you – is much more likely to happen.  It can be easy to keep busy with work and your other responsibilities and before you know it a month or two has slipped by.  Let people know you’d like to meet others – ask them to introduce you. 

Manage Expectations
You will probably meet some great people that you like and want to get to know better.  But you will also meet some equally nice people that you just don’t “click” with.  That’s okay.  Everyone may not become a good friend so don’t worry when it doesn’t happen.  Be able to be in the moment and give yourself permission to let friendships or business peers develop where there is a real compatibility.

Get Started
After being here 3 weeks, it’s time to reach out.  I’m starting tomorrow.  What about you?  Do you have any other tips that might make meeting others easier?  How have you handled being the “new kid”?

Happy Birthday To Me – Looking Back, Planning Ahead

I’m celebrating my birthday today. It’s been quite a year - one with unexpected events and changes. As I look back, I realize now more than ever that planning for the future is a wonderful thing but being open to change is even better. Since my birthday last year, we’ve moved TWICE – both times unexpected; the second one – out of Ohio to Tennessee.
I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing people, and see my business grow. I’ve learned that things may not always go as planned but in the end it’s always opened doors to new opportunities.
I’ve been able to partner with some amazing people and look forward to even more opportunities in the future. I started doing small group training as well as one on one consulting, I’ve developed my sales training course and I’ve been asked to speak at entrepreneur events.
I’ve also been asked to be part of a new travel/lifestyle blog called Weekendretweat.com.

I have lots of ideas for this coming year, and I’m sure some things will go as planned and more new directions open up as meet folks here in Tennessee. I’m looking forward to them all!

I’m seriously thinking about reviving my previous “Fast Friends” idea (that I shamelessly “borrowed” from Cheryl Harrison) as a way to meet new people here in my new hometown.  In 2009 it was a new years resolution to meet at least one new person a week.  It was a great way to meet new people and I had lots of fun doing it. 

How have you “introduced” yourself in a new area?  I’d love to hear your ideas and if you are in the Nashville TN area, I’d love to connect!