Randy Clark's Blog, page 29

Will Your Company’s Improvement Last?

So, will your company’s improvement last? A wise man told me there’s no such thing as stagnant; you’re either on your way up or down. In business, how does one gauge improvement? The most obvious answer is net receipts. Is the company growing, and is it profitable? That may be the most conclusive measurement; without profit, all else eventually fails. But is it sustainable? Are the procedures and people in place to continue the progress?

Will Your Company’s Improvement Last?How Can You Drive a Company to Continuous Improvement?It begins with an honest assessment

To sustain continuous improvement, you must look hard and deep into your organization’s culture, systems, and personnel. You can develop the culture by creating vision teams, conducting SWOT audits, or building roadmaps. But don’t stop there; analyze the results and implement initiatives. You can’t talk shit done.

Follow through with education 

When you continuously expose staff to improvement training, you create a culture of continuous improvement. In-house leadership training, off-site courses, and mentoring contribute to a continuous improvement culture.

It’s about asking questions 

Continuous questioning is part of continuous improvement. How can we improve, why do we do it that way, and what are we not doing that we should? You should ask these questions daily.

Drive activities 

Any goal, including continuous improvement, is only a hope and wish without a plan. Base plans on objective criteria and then take action.

What activities do we need to continue?What activities need improvement?What activities should be discontinued?What activities need to be reinstated?Developing a Culture of Continuous Improvement

As much as everyone wants things to improve, most don’t want to invest the time needed. Many don’t think they have the time. For lack of an oil change, the delivery truck engine expired. Why wasn’t the oil changed? They were too busy with deliveries. It happens in every organization. Teams become too busy to maintain equipment, train personnel, or question activities.

History is littered with profitable companies that didn’t maintain their success. There are hundreds of examples of organizations that showed tremendous growth and then faltered. Things change. New technologies replace old, the marketplace ebbs and flows, and what worked a short time ago becomes obsolete. Without a commitment to continuous improvement, it’s easy to miss the evolution. Is your organization growing, evolving, and continuously improving?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Image by Tumisu,  from Pixabay

 

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How to Respond to a Social Media Complaint

Does your business know how to respond to a social media complaint? A friend informed me their company had a Facebook complaint from a prospective customer. Company executives wanted to ignore it and delete the complaint. My friend wanted my opinion. I inquired about the complaint. It seems the company had missed an in-home appointment and did not contact the prospective customer until after the appointment time. It was a valid complaint.

I suggested the most important thing to do was to create a policy or system so this doesn’t happen and thank the prospect for making them aware of the problem.

How to Respond to a Social Media Complaint  Apologize. If nothing else, you should apologize for them being upset, shouldn’t you? Don’t excuse or defend yourself. Whenever you can agree with the customer do so. Put yourself in their shoes. Thank them for their input. Explain that your organization cannot improve without feedback. Make it right with the customer; when possible offer to fix it at their convenience. Solve the problem on your end to avoid the situation in the future and share the solution with the consumer. Share it on the social network where the complaint was published. Reply with an apology, thank you, and solution.

The executives at my friend’s company decided this was the best procedure. They posted it on Facebook, and the prospective customer scheduled another appointment.

A Facebook Complaint

A company I worked with was contacted by an employee from a periodical who called after work hours to request a customer’s artwork for publication. An employee who was working late answered the phone and explained no one from the design department was available to help them with the artwork. When the caller continued to ask for assistance, the employee became flustered and confused, stating, “I can’t help you—I’m the cleaning person,” which was not the case. The employee from the magazine complained on the company’s Facebook page. What would you do?

Here’s What the Company DidThey located the customer from their database and discussed the situation with design and sales.They asked department managers to talk to employees who had worked late the night of the call.Next, they talked to employees privately and let them know they were not “in trouble” but wanted to identify and change this behavior. The “cleaning person” stepped forward.They explained the phone answering procedure and the consequences of not following it to this employee.They issued a company-wide phone answering script, procedure, and policy.Then, they contacted the periodical via email and phone with an apology.They assisted with the files they needed.The company thanked the periodical for informing them of their dissatisfaction and shared their actions to avoid this in the future.Later, They provided email addresses and cell phone numbers directly to the design department.They shared their actions on Facebook in reply to the complaint.How to Respond to a Social Media Complaint 

How to respond to a social media complaint isn’t one size fits all. Not all complaints will go over as well as these two examples. There’s a time to take it offline, and there is a time to delete complaints. Combative, aggressive, and rude complaints may need to be taken down. Any complaint, especially on social media, should be viewed as an opportunity to improve your organization, help a customer fix a concern, and show your company’s character.

Any of us needing auto repair, a dentist, or a new phone, etc., have this in common—we’re all looking for someone we can trust. An organization which presents only a pristine, mistake-free image is missing the point. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone has complaints. A good organization fixes them. A great organization shares them when appropriate. Who do you trust? A “perfect” mistake-free organization, or one that shows its underbelly by sharing complaints, mistakes, lessons learned, and solutions. Who would you trust?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Photo by Kev Costello on Unsplash

 

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How to Replace Yourself at Work and Why You Should

Do you know how to replace yourself, do your career plans include promotion, or do you plan on being in the same job you’ve held ever since leaving college? Have you developed, mentored, and trained your replacement?

How to Replace YourselfDoes Job Security Mean You’re Irreplaceable?

No. Often, job security is something you control, not your employer (assuming your employer stays in business and doesn’t make wholesale cutbacks). When it comes to job security, you probably know what tasks will keep you employed. And when you do more than expected, you may be considered for promotion unless you’ve put yourself in the position of being irreplaceable.

How Do I know If I’m “Irreplaceable?”

You’re irreplaceable if you’re the only person who can resolve an issue. You’re irreplaceable if you’re off work, sitting at home, or on vacation and aren’t allowed to turn off your smartphone.

You Might be Irreplaceable if…Management declined your vacation request five times.The company provided you with a smartphone, laptop, iPad, and a beeper (a what?)The next most tenured employee has been with the company for three weeksYou’re the only one who understands your job descriptionYou’re reading this blog

It’s possible you’re not the only employee who can help, but you’re the most knowledgeable. In that case, share what you know, mentor others, and be sure the company knows they have options or risk being irreplaceable.

How Do I Avoid Becoming Irreplaceable?

Great question! This really depends on the situation you’re in. In a previous position, I was the only person with “online marketing” experience. If I wanted to do more, I needed to teach others what I did, how to do it, and why. That’s what I  did.

You shouldn’t need to be called to run an update when you’re on vacation. You should have others prepared to take up the slack. Giving others the tools necessary to complete tasks usually assigned to you shows you’re not irreplaceable. And it shows you’re not willing to let the company down. It shows leadership. Teach others to become self-sufficient. If you teach others to replace you — you will not be irreplaceable.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

mage by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

 

The post How to Replace Yourself at Work and Why You Should appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

How to Avoid Conducting “That” Zoom Meeting

Have you ever hit mute and made Mystery Science Theater-like comments during a Zoom meeting? I have. Have you ever sat through an online call that droned on and on? What about a mandatory weekly Zoom that was a total waste of time? Have you been there, done that?

If you’re responsible for planning a Zoom meeting, don’t be “that” person. You don’t want colleagues, peers, and, worst yet, customers poised with their index finger on the mute button, ready to share a snarky retort, do you?

A successful Zoom call is planned; it’s not, or shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment activity. It’s not an afterthought. Planning a successful online meeting takes forethought. The first question you should answer is, “Is a meeting needed?” Do you need a meeting to accomplish what you want to get done? For example, you may need to chat with one or two people to take action, not the entire team. Next, you should consider who really needs to be in the meeting. Is it the whole department or, like I just said, only one or two team members?

How to Avoid Conducting “That” Zoom Meeting

Here’s a short outline with a few ideas to make the most out of your Zoom meeting.

Ramp it up Establish agenda points of discussionSend an agenda before the conference call to all participantsChoose a quiet location free of interruptionsTest your setup prior to meeting timeSet the StageIntroduce yourself and explain your role, which is to keep the meeting on track and following the agendaSet a positive tone by establishing that the purpose of the meeting isn’t only to talk about stuff but to form an action planShare Expectations Encourage participationAdvise participants to stay on topic and avoid interruptionsRemember that time is moneyBegin the call promptlyDon’t wait on tardy attendees—why penalize those who were on time?Don’t overstay your welcome. Set an end time, and don’t go past it. However, if you finish early, don’t “fill” the time. End the meetingPlan the EndingNear the end of the meeting, ask each person for questionsSet an action – Ask each participant what they gleaned from the call and what action they plan to take. Take notesFollow up on the action – Contact each person the following week and check the progress on their action planMake Your Zoom Meeting Count

Meetings in general and Zoom calls in particular, can be a time drain. There have been several studies in the last few years about how wasteful meetings are, for example, this from HubSpot. Surveys show the majority of employees think meetings are a waste of time. I agree, but with one exception. A well-planned meeting that is timely and necessary can be productive. Unfortunately, studies and surveys show us this isn’t the case. If you want your conference call to be the exception, make sure it’s needed, make a plan, and then follow it. Do you conduct or participate in conference calls? What has worked or not worked for you?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Image by Jagrit Parajuli from Pixabay 

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Why You Should Network Outside Your Industry

So, why should you network outside your industry? Do you attend the same networking events, conventions, and trade shows every year? While you’re there, do you visit the same companies and people over and over again? Do you only attend industry-related events? If you answered yes to all three, you might be missing a golden opportunity.

Why You Should Network Outside Your IndustryWhat Lies Outside Your Comfort Zone?

You know your industry inside and out. You can talk the talk, know who’s who, and people know you. You’re comfortable. However, stepping outside of your comfort zone by attending functions unrelated to your industry can be rewarding and eye-opening.

Get a different perspective – Professionals outside your industry who don’t know you or your organization can give you a new view of your business.New Business – A signage and promotional product sales team I worked with discussed the idea of attending events outside of their expertise. So, we jumped online and looked for upcoming conventions in our area. For example, there was an Indiana Bankers Association event with 600 attendees. This team wasn’t in banking, and it wasn’t their typical audience. What the heck did they know about banking? I know this, the financial institution where my father banked changed hands three times in five years. That’s three rebranding efforts—signs, graphics, and marketing.Who do they know – Even if you don’t make a direct connection, you never know who knows who. I’ve learned to ask folks this simple question, “What person, company, or industry would you like to be introduced to?” Most folks reciprocate and ask me the same. Is there any way better to meet someone than through an introduction?References – A good connection outside your industry could lead to a great reference. They may not be an expert reference for your skill set, but if you build an open, honest, professional relationship, they can recommend your character, and what’s more important than character?I Challenge You!

Get out of your comfort zone. Get online and look for events in your area. Here are a few examples for central Indiana.

Trade Shows– Find a trade show outside of your core industry.Events– Search for “out-of-the-box” events.Eventbrite – Peruse Eventbrite to find meet-ups and more.Networking – Find networking groups in your vicinity.

Most likely, there are plenty of opportunities in your area. Are you ready to take the challenge? Here it is: Find and attend one event this summer outside of your box. If you do, let me know how it went. Isn’t it about time to get a little uncomfortable?

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

If you liked this post you might also like 6 Networking Hacks for Your Next Event.

Photo by sol on Unsplash

 

The post Why You Should Network Outside Your Industry appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Why You Should Network Outside our Industry

So, why should you network outside your industry? Do you attend the same networking events, conventions, and trade shows every year? While you’re there, do you visit the same companies and people over and over again? Do you only attend industry-related events? If you answered yes to all three, you might be missing a golden opportunity.

Why You Should Network Outside Your IndustryWhat Lies Outside Your Comfort Zone?

You know your industry inside and out. You can talk the talk, know who’s who, and people know you. You’re comfortable. However, stepping outside of your comfort zone by attending functions unrelated to your industry can be rewarding and eye-opening.

Get a different perspective – Professionals outside your industry who don’t know you or your organization can give you a new view of your business.New Business – A signage and promotional product sales team I worked with discussed the idea of attending events outside of their expertise. So, we jumped online and looked for upcoming conventions in our area. For example, there was an Indiana Bankers Association event with 600 attendees. This team wasn’t in banking, and it wasn’t their typical audience. What the heck did they know about banking? I know this, the financial institution where my father banked changed hands three times in five years. That’s three rebranding efforts—signs, graphics, and marketing.Who do they know – Even if you don’t make a direct connection, you never know who knows who. I’ve learned to ask folks this simple question, “What person, company, or industry would you like to be introduced to?” Most folks reciprocate and ask me the same. Is there any way better to meet someone than through an introduction?References – A good connection outside your industry could lead to a great reference. They may not be an expert reference for your skill set, but if you build an open, honest, professional relationship, they can recommend your character, and what’s more important than character?I Challenge You!

Get out of your comfort zone. Get online and look for events in your area. Here are a few examples for central Indiana.

Trade Shows– Find a trade show outside of your core industry.Events– Search for “out-of-the-box” events.Eventbrite – Peruse Eventbrite to find meet-ups and more.Networking – Find networking groups in your vicinity.

Most likely, there are plenty of opportunities in your area. Are you ready to take the challenge? Here it is: Find and attend one event this summer outside of your box. If you do, let me know how it went. Isn’t it about time to get a little uncomfortable?

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

If you liked this post you might also like 6 Networking Hacks for Your Next Event.

Photo by sol on Unsplash

 

The post Why You Should Network Outside our Industry appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Top Ten Social Media Marketing Mistakes

Instead of Top “Ten Social Media Marketing Mistakes”, I almost titled this post “MY Top Ten Social Media Marketing Mistakes” because although I haven’t made every one of these—I’ve come close. I’ll take that further; I continue to make mistakes, which gives me the opportunity to learn. Ain’t it great? Every day I’ll see someone do something on social media that I’ve never considered, read a post informing me of a better way, or find a tool I didn’t know existed.

Top Ten Social Media Marketing Mistakes10.  Not presenting a unified brand

Your brand should be recognizable across social networks. Color, typography, and logo should be identifiable. This is true for all marketing not only on social networks.

9.   Thinking social media marketing is advertising

It isn’t. It’s attraction not promotion. If you’re constantly selling, eventually people will view you as spam and shut you out. People have to want to view your media. Therefore, make it attractive by solving problems, sharing humor, and promoting others.

8.  Believing social media marketing is free

Oh yea, It’s free—except for the time spent tweeting, blogging, posting, conversing, sharing, and following up. I mean, other than that it’s free, right?

7.  Trying to do too much and doing it poorly

 You don’t have to be on every network. Go where your prospects and customers are to be found. If you only have time for one network, choose wisely and concentrate on it rather than attempting to manage multiple sites poorly.

6. Not linking back to your site

Why are you on social networks? Hopefully lead generation is part of the reason. Bring ‘em back to your funnel every chance you have.

5. No call to action

A CTA doesn’t have to be some spammy version of buy or die or make money tweeting from home. It can be as simple as, “We’d like your thoughts.”

4. No blog or no new posts since December of 2019

Shame on you. Your blog is the cornerstone of you network marketing. It’s one of the primary tools to attract folks to your web site let alone what it does for SEO.

3. Little or no video

Video has become a primary avenue of attraction. If content is king then video is the prime minister.  “85% of consumers worldwide rely heavily on video when they purchase goods and services online, according to a study by Brightcove” — Marketing Tech News.

2. Ignoring analytics

Last month my total blog hits increased but insignificantly. One social network was down and another up. I’ve implemented improvement plans. I’d never know if I didn’t look at the numbers. Don’t ignore them.

1. And the number one reason…Drum roll, please. Not considering mobile applications

I ranked this number one because I continue to see this from established sites and people who know better. More people today read blogs, complete contact forms, and review portfolios on a mobile device than from a PC. Please don’t make it difficult.

There’s my top ten. What did I miss? What would you add? I’d like to know what you think.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Image by narciso1 from Pixabay

 

The post Top Ten Social Media Marketing Mistakes appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

6 Event Networking Hacks

So, who needs 6 event networking hacks? We all do. Even the best networkers occasionally drop the ball at networking events. The most gregarious extroverts may lose sight of the brass ring. Spending all of your time with friends at a networking event isn’t networking. It’s a night out with friends. There’s nothing wrong with that, but don’t fool yourself into believing you’re networking. Standing in a corner texting to your BFF isn’t networking, even if you did say hello to three people. To network, first, you have to connect.

6 Event Networking Hacks Carry SWAG (stuff we all get)

Take more than a business card. I remember an event where the speaker had a square aluminum bottle opener printed as a card. It was a hit. I’ve received flash drives, post-it notes, and wristbands, all more memorable than one more card to stuff in a drawer. FAQ: What can I use Instead of a Business Card? 

Take Notes

If you’ve ever been to an event that my friend Robby Slaughter attended, you’ve seen him with a small notebook and pen in hand. He listens with full attention, takes notes, and follows up on them. But the notes aren’t only for him. People appreciate and remember someone who takes the time to make notes.

Offer Help

If you want to make an impact at a networking event, come with the attitude of help first. Ask people how you can help them. Do We Really Need One More “How to Write an Elevator Pitch?” Article

Form a Team

You don’t have to do it alone. Forming a networking event team is an excellent way to use the strengths and skills of friends and co-workers as well as meet new people. You Don’t Have to Network Alone

Remember Names

People enjoy hearing their names and appreciate folks who remember and use them. I suck at remembering names and using the excuse that I suck only makes it worse. I want you to test me. If you meet me, introduce yourself, wait five minutes, and then ask if I remember your name. Here’s my plan.

Carry a notepad and write namesRepeat new acquaintance’s names three times in our first conversationNote something interesting or memorable such as Rocky wears bright socks or Robby carries a notepadConnect the Dots

One of the best networking strategies is to connect people. I introduced myself to a new bank manager at an event. I asked who she was looking to meet, and she said, local small business owners. Later I met a couple who had founded a small business networking group. No brainer—I introduced them to each other.

Make Your Next Event Count

Don’t get me wrong, there are times at networking events I’d much rather hang with friends, and sometimes I do, but I understand that’s not networking. If I have a mission, a business I want to meet, a vendor who could help, or a speaker whose brain I want to pick, I know I need to put on my networking hat and connect. What are your best networking strategies?

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

 

 

The post 6 Event Networking Hacks appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

How to Manage Extroverts Confessions of an Extrovert

I’m an extrovert. If there was anything such as an extra-extrovert, that’s me. I have a few ideas about how to manage extroverts. Personally, I have my good points, and I know I have my challenges. I can be a handful. If you know me and think I’m overbearing, annoying, and outrageous, you should have seen me 30 years ago. The thing is, I’m not difficult to manage, I’m easily motivated, and I can accomplish a lot.

How to Manage ExtrovertsI think out loud 

I know, it’s annoying. My eldest daughter does the same. Her staff has learned to let her complete her thoughts and then ask if she’s processed the information. They ask her if she has come to a conclusion before they jump to conclusions. If you cut me off, I may not come to a logical conclusion, so let me talk it out or advise me to write it down.

I need people

I get energy from being around others. There’s nothing better than brainstorming or working together on a project. I love working with a team. Use me in face-to-face situations such as training seminars, trade shows, tours, and customer service.

I’m impatient

I like to look at the big picture and not the details. I want to know the time, not how the clock was built. This can be a problem. Don’t ask me to lead detailed projects. I will become frustrated, and you won’t get the desired results. Use me for the big picture. I excel at seeing how parts fit together, whether it’s how teams work or a process flows.

My filter is broken

I speak my mind. No, that’s not quite right. I speak whatever enters my thoughts, and often, it’s off-topic and sometimes inappropriate. Please be patient with me because my ramblings often lead to insights. To get the most from me, share what you think and how you feel.

I’m in touch with my inner 13-year-old 

I’m going to write a book someday titled, “I think I’m funny, and it gets me in trouble all the time.” Let me know when I’ve taken it too far. I have a kind heart, but sometimes the importance of being funny overrides it. I’m working on this.

I want recognition

That’s part of the trying to be funny thing. I want to be center stage because that’s a form of recognition. Remember I said I’m easy to manage? Praise me for the behaviors you want me to repeat. Ask me what motivates me, and then help me get there. Recognize my accomplishments in front of my peers, and I will jump through hoops for you.

How should you manage an extrovert?

Allow them to verbally process information, recognize them, and put them with people. Don’t put them in charge of detail work. Give them big picture tasks. Understand and help them with their tendency to impatience, lack of a filter, and need to be the LOP (life of the party). Does every extrovert fit all these bullet points? Nope, but keep your eyes open, and I’ll bet you’ll find many of these traits are shared by the extroverts on your team. However, the best practice for leading anyone is to learn what motivates them, which can be as simple as asking them. How to manage extroverts begins by asking them what motivates them. What motivates you?

This is an updated post. Two friends left these comments on the original.

Robby Slaughter

I think the best way to manage extroverts is to show them this list and then have a conversation about which of this behaviors are innate, which are learned, and which are truly helpful.

For example: **I think out loud.** Are you able to think in your head, or do you prefer to think out loud? Do you need other people to hear you thinking out loud, or can close the door and talk to yourself?

Consider, **I’m impatient.** This is not a trait of an extroverted person, but rather a person who prefers to be in control. Are you *able* to be patient? Do you *understand* that work takes time? Have you considered how being impatient might be disrespectful to others?

We all behave in the ways we think we’re supposed to behave, unless we stop to think about it. The best way to manage anybody is to get into a conversation about their behaviors and ask what *they* think.

Adam Fout

Oh man, I feel like I read my own biography just now! Everything you wrote here is true about me, and I’ve thought about this a lot — my need to be Mr. Funny Guy, even when it means I say things I shouldn’t say and possibly offend someone. First, I’m offended by people who are easily offended, so not really sure how to handle that one but mostly, it’s an ego thing — I want to be noticed, I want attention, and I need that ego fed. Which, as you said, makes me very easy to handle — it doesn’t take much to feed my ego! However, I’ve found that more than a few of my bosses have not only not been interested in feeding it (which, if roles were reversed, seems so easy to me), but seem to actively want to drive my ego down. Maybe that’s good for me as a person, but man, it can really piss me off. I feel like this comment is getting really deep lol but I’m posting it anyway! FEED THE EXTROVERTS EGOS, THEY’LL LOVE YOU FOR IT!

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

 

 

 

The post How to Manage Extroverts Confessions of an Extrovert appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

What Networking Events Should You Attend?

So, what networking events should you attend? Whether you enjoy networking or not, networking is a fact of life in American business. Whether it’s in person or online, for many positions it’s expected. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert, extrovert, or like most of us, somewhere between. For many, it’s part of the job because networking can help you and your organization. The question is, which events will be most helpful?

What Networking Events Should You Attend?Know What You Need 

Do you know what you need? Before you zoom into a networking event, determine your needs first. Are you looking for a new career, or do you need to hire employees? Are you searching for new products, vendors, or ideas? Understanding your needs allows you to look for events that align with them.

Determine Who Can Help You

Once you’ve determined your needs, review the list of attendees. If that’s unavailable, use social media to ask who’s attending. Seek industries, organizations, and individuals who may help you.

Ask for Recommendations

Reach out to friends, colleagues, and past attendees. Ask why they attended, what they got out of it, and if their needs were met. Look online. Is it being talked about on social media? The lack of conversation says something as well.

Test Your Networking

Try it, but don’t waste your time if it doesn’t fit your needs. Time may be the most valuable commodity we have in this modern age. Are you attending events because your friends do or think you’re supposed to? If so, take a new look at the event and ask yourself—what am I getting out of this?

While it’s certainly OK to attend events because the boss expects you to, the best events fit your needs. Networking events ease the introduction process by making connections the goal, but you first need to decide what your needs are and who can help. Only by understanding your needs can you get the most out of networking. How do you decide what events to attend?

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. I needed a plan to be an effective networker. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

If you enjoyed this post you might aslo like, Networking Doesn’t End at the Event.

Photo by Compare Fibre on Unsplash

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