Friday I met a guy named Chris. He is thirty-five years old and was passing through Austin on his way from Arizona to North Carolina. He is moving home to care for his ill mother who is battling cancer. He packed up all his possessions and was leaving his life behind to help his mother through this fight.... during what sounded like the end of her journey. He is an only child and his mother is a widow.
He was a nice guy. We talked for about an hour, and I was impressed with his outlook on the world. He is single, and thus had the ability to drop everything and take on this task, but even without a wife and kids, I cannot imagine this was an easy decision. I know first hand that caring for an ailing parent is a horrible experience.
I do not know much about my new friend other than his first name, but I admire him for his commitment to do the right thing for his mom. I know in the end he will have no regrets. When you put the needs of others before your own, there are always unimaginable positives that come back to you.
Godspeed, Chris. May the rest of your cross-country drive be a good experience. I wish you and your mother many blessings in the next few months or years.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Austin Tech Happy Hour
There was a time in Austin, Texas when The High Tech Happy Hour monthly events rocked the town. Hundreds of people turned out for the fun of networking with others who worked in and around the booming tech industry. Executives, engineers, programmers, office staff, venture capitalists, service providers and others came together and celebrated the times.
Those times died with bust of high tech.
But now there is again a buzz in the air in Austin. The city is today hustling with innovation. You can't keep the entrepreneurial spirit at bay, and people are again having fun in the technology industry.
Alas, the birth of a new happy hour:
Those times died with bust of high tech.
But now there is again a buzz in the air in Austin. The city is today hustling with innovation. You can't keep the entrepreneurial spirit at bay, and people are again having fun in the technology industry.
Alas, the birth of a new happy hour:
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a fun happy hour for young professionals in technology. Here’s your chance to come out and enjoy networking on the rooftop of Austin’s leading happy hour spot. About once a month sponsors will support a happy hour where people can relax and mingle with other professionals from the technology industry in Austin. Come and add new contacts to your network, discuss current technology innovations, and perhaps even find a candidate to add to your team.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Another Book Review - ABC's of Networking
Jason Alba at The JibberJobber Blog reviewed The ABC's of Networking.
I appreciate Jason's kind words and positive reaction to the book. Jason is an expert on career management, and he is correct, that everything fits together in successfully building all parts of your life.
If you are not familiar with Jibber Jobber....you should check it out. One never knows when life will change and a job hunt will be around the corner. Being prepared is important!
thom
I appreciate Jason's kind words and positive reaction to the book. Jason is an expert on career management, and he is correct, that everything fits together in successfully building all parts of your life.
If you are not familiar with Jibber Jobber....you should check it out. One never knows when life will change and a job hunt will be around the corner. Being prepared is important!
thom
Smile At People. Talk To People
I love people. I enjoy talking with folks from any background (as long as they are respectful and have an open mind). Different political views, religious beliefs, various ethnic origins and a schmorgesborg of interests are what make the world so fascinating. Your spirit comes alive when you meet another human being with whom you can have a captivating discussion.
Yet so many walk through life in a protective shell. People try to insulate themselves from others. No eye contact. No smile. No hint of joy in their soul. YUCK.
This morning in Starbucks I sat reading a book. From time to time I would watch the urban professionals roll through to get their daily caffeine fix. I am a regular in the coffee shop, thus I often would see a friendly face and get a familiar smile. Many who know me will exchange a few words. Beyond that, few of the patrons make any effort to notice those around them.
"Tall decaf, room for cream". "Grande extra shot non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte". "Venti zebra mocha with extra whip cream". The Starbuck's has it's own language which all the citizens speak fluently. But they only speak with the bartistas. Few will acknowledge that others are in the store. They fall into line and try to be invisibly lost in their own world.
The younger folks have iPods blaring in their ears, just to be sure that they do not have to interact with any other people.
I believe the world was different 100 years ago. My fantasy is that people talked to each other in the coffeehouses of yesterday. They did not live their lives behind invisible fences of the mind, but instead ran free with each other in stimulating conversation. Maybe I am wrong. Perhaps it was always like it is today.
If you ever see me sitting at the Starbucks at 5th and Lamar in Austin, feel free to smile and say hello. I am easy to recognize, as I am the person who is smiling at you.
Have A Great Day.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Do Business Books Work?
Any reader of this blog knows I am a big believer that business professionals should read regularly. Business books, blogs, newspapers, magazines, white papers, etc.... If you are not learning you are getting stale.
Super-blogger Seth Godin has a new post called "Do Business Books Work?"
Think about his point:
"If you went to a doctor who told you that she hadn't read a scholarly article or taken any training since med school, would you stick around? What about a lawyer who doesn't read law journals or a dentist who never bothered to read up on the newest case studies?"
Business professionals should be reading more books!
If you are currently reading this, you are ahead of the game. If you are reading my new book, The ABC's of Networking, I admire you (not just for reading MY book, but because you are reading books! Yet, THANK YOU for selecting mine!!!).
If you were asked "What book are you currently reading", would you have an answer?
Encourage your kids to read when they are young. When I was a kid I hated to read, but my dad lead by example (is there any other way to really lead?). He read the paper everyday. Always had a book on the coffee table, and often read the bible for fun. I was 25 years old before I embraced reading, but if not for Dad's example, I may have never taken up books. If I had not read a lot, I would not have written.....and thus my life would be different (for the worse).
People claim they do not have time to read. Bull. (I would have used a stronger word than bull that was followed by a poop related slang, but a reader recently chastised me for swaring on my blog). You have the time to do any activity that you see as a priority.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Super-blogger Seth Godin has a new post called "Do Business Books Work?"
Think about his point:
"If you went to a doctor who told you that she hadn't read a scholarly article or taken any training since med school, would you stick around? What about a lawyer who doesn't read law journals or a dentist who never bothered to read up on the newest case studies?"
Business professionals should be reading more books!
If you are currently reading this, you are ahead of the game. If you are reading my new book, The ABC's of Networking, I admire you (not just for reading MY book, but because you are reading books! Yet, THANK YOU for selecting mine!!!).
If you were asked "What book are you currently reading", would you have an answer?
Encourage your kids to read when they are young. When I was a kid I hated to read, but my dad lead by example (is there any other way to really lead?). He read the paper everyday. Always had a book on the coffee table, and often read the bible for fun. I was 25 years old before I embraced reading, but if not for Dad's example, I may have never taken up books. If I had not read a lot, I would not have written.....and thus my life would be different (for the worse).
People claim they do not have time to read. Bull. (I would have used a stronger word than bull that was followed by a poop related slang, but a reader recently chastised me for swaring on my blog). You have the time to do any activity that you see as a priority.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Friendship Is A Precious Gift
On page 100 of Harry Beckwith's new book, You, Inc., is a gripping quote about how we measure friendships:
"We measure our importance to them in time. Acquaintances give us moments, friends give us hours, good friends give us days."
Think about how true this is in your life. I know many people who spare me only moments. Some of them I would happily give days, but they can only share a morsel.
Good friends are a treasure. Cherish them and give them the time they deserve.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
All Boards Networking Event
Here is a great idea started by the Austin Chapter of The Entrepreneur's Organization. About a year ago they started co-hosting a local networking event for the board members of many of the area's top business groups. The purpose being to allow those individuals who are actively serving on committees of these phenomenal organizations to get to know each other better, and thus help each other in countless ways.
As you know if you serve on the board of any organization, it is a lot of work. Not everyone will volunteer their time to help execute all the tasks necessary to make a business non-profit group thrive. By introducing the folks from these organizations to each other is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved.
They hold this event twice a year, and last night was an amazing success. Over 100 people showed up. Many folks already knew each other well, others found it to be an outstanding opportunity to expand their business networks. Everyone was interested in the mission and memberships of the various groups that exist in the Austin Business Community. Hosted by EO and TEXCHANGE (and sponsored by the Winstead law firm), over twenty business organizations were represented.
I write about this because most of the readers of this blog are from outside of the Austin area. This is an excellent idea for you to replicate in your community. You may want to start with your local Entrepreneur's Organization (they have chapters in most major cities!), and get them involved. Then reach out to the local business groups that exist in your town. You will need a sponsor and a location, but those should be easy because of the high level of local executives who populate the boards in your business community. Business groups are not in competition with each other, but instead they all can thrive together.
Have A Great Day
thom
www.thomsinger.com
As you know if you serve on the board of any organization, it is a lot of work. Not everyone will volunteer their time to help execute all the tasks necessary to make a business non-profit group thrive. By introducing the folks from these organizations to each other is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved.
They hold this event twice a year, and last night was an amazing success. Over 100 people showed up. Many folks already knew each other well, others found it to be an outstanding opportunity to expand their business networks. Everyone was interested in the mission and memberships of the various groups that exist in the Austin Business Community. Hosted by EO and TEXCHANGE (and sponsored by the Winstead law firm), over twenty business organizations were represented.
I write about this because most of the readers of this blog are from outside of the Austin area. This is an excellent idea for you to replicate in your community. You may want to start with your local Entrepreneur's Organization (they have chapters in most major cities!), and get them involved. Then reach out to the local business groups that exist in your town. You will need a sponsor and a location, but those should be easy because of the high level of local executives who populate the boards in your business community. Business groups are not in competition with each other, but instead they all can thrive together.
Have A Great Day
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Book Review - The ABC's of Networking
Silvia L. Coulter from CoulterCranston wrote a very nice review of my new book on The Law Marketing Portal. Click here to read the review.
The book is available at Amazon.com.
Have A Great Day.
thom
Monday, April 30, 2007
Honor Your Business Networking Appointments
Your actions do speak louder that your words, and people are listening. Most professionals know that they need to keep their major commitments in business, (hitting delivery deadlines, customer service response times, quality work, etc....), however this rings true for all things, not just the big things. So do not forget that your networking efforts are major commitments. You never know who can help advance your career.
An attorney that I coach on "business development planning" has a bad habit of not following through with those in his network. When it comes clients he is dedicated and focused, but has a two tier system for how he ranks people: 1. those he can bill by the hour. 2. everyone else....and he has a bad habit of letting those in the second category know it!
The other day he told me he had to cancel coffee with the partner of a local accounting firm, with whom I have been encouraging him to build a stronger relationship. They have the potential to help each other develop business, and already know each other fairly well. They are not close "friends", but there is certainly the opportunity to forge a mutually beneficial referral situation (and become real "friends").
When I ran into the accountant and the lawyers name came up, his immediate response was strong and to the point, "Oh, I am done with him!".
Upon some investigation I discovered that this was the fifth time the lawyer had canceled a meeting within 24 hours of their scheduled coffee. FIVE IN A ROW, each time explaining that he has been so busy working deals for his legal clients that he needed to take the next day to "play catch up". The message was loud and clear, "I am a busy, busy, important guy with a JD, and you come somewhere below all the other things on my list...including mundane tasks and paperwork."
He did offer to reschedule, but the accountant heard, "let's try to set this up again for a time when I have NOTHING else to do....or when it is really convenient for me. But even then it will be a suggested meeting, not a commitment."
The accountant went on to point out that he too is a busy man (ahhh, tax season!), and that he is very judicious about spots on his calendar. By making time to meet with this lawyer, he voided the opportunity to meet with clients, prospects or other people in his network at that time.
I felt the pain of the accountant. I too have had situations like this happen to me. I had one friend cancel for lunch by telling me "I have decided to take a 'personal day' off today, just to relax". WHAT? I rank below sitting on the couch and watching The Oprah Winfrey Show?
On the flip side, stuff happens and there are legitimate reasons you have to reschedule meetings. Being in sales, sometimes prospect meetings pop up with short notice and I cannot control the timing. Last Friday I had to reschedule lunch with someone. I had no choice, as a co-worker had set a meeting with one of my major prospects and I needed to be out of town. I felt bad, but the difference was that it was something that could not be helped or the time manipulated. I physically had to be in another city. Additionally, I had not rescheduled four other times on this person.
I also had a person cancel coffee with me last week. This person is very attentive to building networking relationships, and I know he would never "better deal" his time with me. He had a pressing conflict, and does not make it a habit to move meetings. His reputation trumps his moving the appointment.
Treat your schedule like gold. Do not set up networking meetings that you do not intend to keep. Setting an appointment is not filling a spot until something better comes along. Once it is on the books (or in Outlook), make sure you honor the other person's time. That means you show up AND show up on time! (The being on-time thing is a whole other post for a different day!).
If you do need to reschedule, make a note in your calendar along with the new time that you had canceled last time. This way you will know that you had moved the appointment in the past, which should make you less likely to cancel again (unless you really do not care about the relationship, in which case, just do not agree to meet with the person in the first place). While you might not keep track of how often you cancel on a specific person, I promise you that they remember. It is on these types of events that your reputation is built.
You are not obligated to network with everyone! You wont like all the people you encounter in the business world, and they will not all love you, either (yes, it is true. My mother would hate to hear this, but not everyone likes me. So what?). But if you do not value someone, do not put them on your calendar. Regularly canceling on people when you get better offers for your time shows much about your character.
***Special four final notes of clarification for the readers who love to nit pick - 1. YES, there are reasons that warrant rescheduling. Just don't make it a habit. 2. YES, I am sure that I have made this mistake myself (although not often, as I do guard my appointments as serious business), but calendar appointments are important to the other person. 3. YES, the accountant was being very hard on the lawyer by eliminating him from his network....but he gets does get to pick with whom he associates. 4. YES, like it or not, people do tell others in town about these types of things. Constant canceling can ruin your reputation....so be careful.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Friday, April 27, 2007
Be Fearless In Business and Life
The cover of this month's Selling Power Magazine features political pundit and super-blogger Arianna Huffington with the blazing headline "Have No Fear!". Huffington released her 11th book late last year; On Becoming Fearless....in Love, Work, and Life (Little, Brown and Co, 2006) and the magazine does a great job of interviewing this controversial lady.It is a short article, but it made me think....how cool to be FEARLESS. Not stupid, but fearless!!! If not frightened by the prospect of failure, we would attempt many more cool things.
Huffington has had an eclectic life lived out in the public eyes. Her high-profile switch from the Republican Party to the Democrat Party (causing folks on both sides to hate and mistrust her) and her dramatic loss in the 2003 California Gubernatorial race would have caused a lesser person to go into hiding. Instead she launched a political blog. The Huffington Post (whose early critics said would flop), that in three years has grown into one of the most powerful politically left blogs on the internet. While she bloviates for the liberals, she actually criticizes players from both parties (and God knows that all the clowns in Washington DC are worthy of critisism!!!).
By being fearless, Huffington has attempted much in her career. Sometimes her efforts lead to massive failures....but she also has racked up amazing successes. That is the lesson....never, never give up and keep trying until you hit the big time. Don't be scared of failure.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Never, Never, Never Quit
Keep calling.
I received a telephone call today from the CEO of a company I have been calling for nearly a year. I have mailed him things, left voicemails, all the basic sales-guy stalking a buyer stuff. He never called back.
Today he did. He runs a sales-oriented organization and he called to tell me that he appreciated my calling efforts. Granted, he is on the board of the competition and will not be changing anytime soon...but he called nonetheless. And he agreed, that forever is a long time, and that someday he might need my company's services.
He also encouraged me to call on him quarterly and continue to build our relationship. I had not realized that we actually had a relationship, but apparently he has come to know me from my voicemails and witty mailings.
Just a reminder to never, never, never quit. I have 49 other prospects who do not return calls....and soon they will stop ignoring me as well.
Yes, this story would be more engaging if he had moved all his business....but stay tuned.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Gotta Get Goals - The Ripple Effect Guy Tagged Me
I am a believer in setting goals. Big goals, little goals, goals that grow on trees!...you gotta have them or you are just adrift.
Steve Harper, author of The Ripple Effect and blogger extraordinaire, had been tagged by another blogger to post his goals. Then in keeping with the bloggy tradition of passing on the love, he "tagged" me to do the same.
I thought about this for a few days, and below I am going to list some of my goals. Not the BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) or my personal goals, but rather some goals for The Some Assembly Required Blog.
Here we go.
1. To have the gumption to continue to write often. I hate it when blogs go stale, but it is not always easy to figure out what to write on a daily basis. I like blogging, it clears my head, focuses my writing efforts, helps sell my books, and I have made a lot of friends in the blogosphere...thus, I want to keep doing it for years to come.
2. I want to improve and empower the impact of my blog posts. I desire to discover how to be BOLD. I long for those who read this blog to find inspiration, to share the posts regularly and to come back day after day.
3. I want to write something profound and important, and be quoted by one of my favorite "uber-bloggers": Seth Godin, Robert Scoble, Tom Peters, Guy Kawasaki, etc...
4. I would like to have day where I get over 2000 individual visitors to this blog, which I assume will be a result of the successful execution of goals 1-3.
5. I desire all who read this blog would buy a copy of my new book, The ABC's of Networking, and share it with a friend. Writing a book is hard work, promoting a book is even more difficult. But having someone read what you wrote is amazing, so it makes it all worthwhile.
There you go. Nothing un-attainable, yet nothing easy.
What are your goals?
I will tag Mike at The Simplenomics Blog, Jason at The JibberJobber Blog, Tom at The Legal Marketing Blog, Monica at The Common Scold Blog, and Seth Godin at Seth Godin's Blog (Hey, why not?). I hope they will participate in the perpetuation of the Gotta Get Goals series.
Have A Great Day.
Thom Singer
www.thomsinger.com
Steve Harper, author of The Ripple Effect and blogger extraordinaire, had been tagged by another blogger to post his goals. Then in keeping with the bloggy tradition of passing on the love, he "tagged" me to do the same.
I thought about this for a few days, and below I am going to list some of my goals. Not the BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) or my personal goals, but rather some goals for The Some Assembly Required Blog.
Here we go.
1. To have the gumption to continue to write often. I hate it when blogs go stale, but it is not always easy to figure out what to write on a daily basis. I like blogging, it clears my head, focuses my writing efforts, helps sell my books, and I have made a lot of friends in the blogosphere...thus, I want to keep doing it for years to come.
2. I want to improve and empower the impact of my blog posts. I desire to discover how to be BOLD. I long for those who read this blog to find inspiration, to share the posts regularly and to come back day after day.
3. I want to write something profound and important, and be quoted by one of my favorite "uber-bloggers": Seth Godin, Robert Scoble, Tom Peters, Guy Kawasaki, etc...
4. I would like to have day where I get over 2000 individual visitors to this blog, which I assume will be a result of the successful execution of goals 1-3.
5. I desire all who read this blog would buy a copy of my new book, The ABC's of Networking, and share it with a friend. Writing a book is hard work, promoting a book is even more difficult. But having someone read what you wrote is amazing, so it makes it all worthwhile.
There you go. Nothing un-attainable, yet nothing easy.
What are your goals?
I will tag Mike at The Simplenomics Blog, Jason at The JibberJobber Blog, Tom at The Legal Marketing Blog, Monica at The Common Scold Blog, and Seth Godin at Seth Godin's Blog (Hey, why not?). I hope they will participate in the perpetuation of the Gotta Get Goals series.
Have A Great Day.
Thom Singer
www.thomsinger.com
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
"Thank You" For Being You
Tim Sanders had a post on his blog, The Sanders Says Blog, last week about expressing "thank you" to those who impact your life. He says that every Friday he makes a list of three people who have helped him in some way during the week, and then before lunch on Monday he writes or calls that person and let's them know his gratitude about their contribution. If they are "repeat offenders" he ups the anty with gifts, referrals, etc... The point is that he does this on Monday!
Wow.
I am a big believer in sending notes and saying "thank you"...but I have not made this a formal part of my weekly routine. What a great idea!
I have done something similar, with amazing results. In December I identify five people who have touched my life in some way throughout the year and I send them a note or an email identifying this practice, and thanking them for their actions to better my life. But I think I like Tim's weekly efforts are an even better idea.
Today is Wednesday. Start right now examining your week. Who has helped you in some way, big or small, since Monday? Begin keeping a list. Look for ways to catch others doing things that are of benefit. A fantastic bi-product is that if you are examining how people help, you cannot be spending that exact moment identifying their faults! Discovering the positive in people will make your whole attitude about them blossom into a bouquet.
I would like to start right now and thank YOU....the reader of The Some Assembly Required Blog. I appreciate all the regular readers and the one-time visitors.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Wow.
I am a big believer in sending notes and saying "thank you"...but I have not made this a formal part of my weekly routine. What a great idea!
I have done something similar, with amazing results. In December I identify five people who have touched my life in some way throughout the year and I send them a note or an email identifying this practice, and thanking them for their actions to better my life. But I think I like Tim's weekly efforts are an even better idea.
Today is Wednesday. Start right now examining your week. Who has helped you in some way, big or small, since Monday? Begin keeping a list. Look for ways to catch others doing things that are of benefit. A fantastic bi-product is that if you are examining how people help, you cannot be spending that exact moment identifying their faults! Discovering the positive in people will make your whole attitude about them blossom into a bouquet.
I would like to start right now and thank YOU....the reader of The Some Assembly Required Blog. I appreciate all the regular readers and the one-time visitors.
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Internal Networking
Liz Handlin at The Ultimate Resumes Blog had a great post last week about internal networking. So often we forget that spending time cultivating relationships with your co-workers is just as important as networking with clients, prospects and referral sources.
In Liz's post, "It's Not The Cake", she reminds us that while those constant in-office birthday cakes seem to be a distraction, it is not about going and eating store bought cake - "the get together is about building camaraderie with your co-workers".
She is right. The few minutes that it takes to go to the break room and wish someone a happy birthday is invaluable. If you are the person who always works through these mini-parties, you will develop the reputation of not viewing others as important. Like it or not, you will be seen as selfish. Yes, even if you are busy and have a deadline. Everyone can spare five minutes!
I recently heard a story from a guy, Billy, who volunteered to drive an unpopular co-worker to pick up her car at the mechanic. Since the woman had few friends in her office she was going to have to call a taxi. Being a nice guy, Billy stepped up. On the short drive, they talked and he got to know her a little better. The pay off was that then she considered him a friend (or at least friendly) and was a big help to him on future internal projects. Her knowledge was beneficial to his career, and she turned out to be a nice person.
Having internal relationships is important. Do you have a "best-friend" in the office. Someone whom you often go to lunch, grab coffee and share information (I do not mean "gossip")??? If not, you should find one. Offices where people have close bonds tend to be more productive and have lower turn-over. Be the person who instigates activities. Encourage your co-workers to develop friendships (with you and others).
Start today. It takes time and effort to make, build and keep your business relationships....and you need to do it internally and externally!
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
******Hiring a professional speaker for your next business event? Let me customize my presentation "The ABC's of Networking" for you law firm, company, or professional organization. Based on my book of the same title, together we can entertain and inspire your audience that building important and mutually beneficial business relationships is as easy as A-B-C.
In Liz's post, "It's Not The Cake", she reminds us that while those constant in-office birthday cakes seem to be a distraction, it is not about going and eating store bought cake - "the get together is about building camaraderie with your co-workers".
She is right. The few minutes that it takes to go to the break room and wish someone a happy birthday is invaluable. If you are the person who always works through these mini-parties, you will develop the reputation of not viewing others as important. Like it or not, you will be seen as selfish. Yes, even if you are busy and have a deadline. Everyone can spare five minutes!
I recently heard a story from a guy, Billy, who volunteered to drive an unpopular co-worker to pick up her car at the mechanic. Since the woman had few friends in her office she was going to have to call a taxi. Being a nice guy, Billy stepped up. On the short drive, they talked and he got to know her a little better. The pay off was that then she considered him a friend (or at least friendly) and was a big help to him on future internal projects. Her knowledge was beneficial to his career, and she turned out to be a nice person.
Having internal relationships is important. Do you have a "best-friend" in the office. Someone whom you often go to lunch, grab coffee and share information (I do not mean "gossip")??? If not, you should find one. Offices where people have close bonds tend to be more productive and have lower turn-over. Be the person who instigates activities. Encourage your co-workers to develop friendships (with you and others).
Start today. It takes time and effort to make, build and keep your business relationships....and you need to do it internally and externally!
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
******Hiring a professional speaker for your next business event? Let me customize my presentation "The ABC's of Networking" for you law firm, company, or professional organization. Based on my book of the same title, together we can entertain and inspire your audience that building important and mutually beneficial business relationships is as easy as A-B-C.
Monday, April 23, 2007
What Are You Doing To Challenge Yourself?
"At age 40, what are you doing to push yourself?"
I was asked this yesterday.
Shit, I don't know.
The words are lingering in the back of my head like some morning fog over Town Lake. A simple question by an half-century old inquisitive person I met in Starbucks.
On the one hand, I have done a lot in the past year. On the other hand, I had no answer to the man with the grande, non-fat, decaf, sugar-free vanilla latte.
But it is a great question. I want to have an great answer. I desire to push myself. I crave to find ways to accomplish amazing things that before seemed out of my grasp. I need to have a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that I can freely articulate to the world. It is my calling to, at age 4o, push myself to the next level.
How about you. What are you doing right now to challenge yourself? Spend the next five minutes thinking deeply about this question, and then see if you are haunted by your answer....or lack there of... for the rest of the day.
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
Have you purchased The ABC's of Networking (my new book)??? It would mean a lot if you read it and told me what you think. Available at Amazon.com.
I was asked this yesterday.
Shit, I don't know.
The words are lingering in the back of my head like some morning fog over Town Lake. A simple question by an half-century old inquisitive person I met in Starbucks.
On the one hand, I have done a lot in the past year. On the other hand, I had no answer to the man with the grande, non-fat, decaf, sugar-free vanilla latte.
But it is a great question. I want to have an great answer. I desire to push myself. I crave to find ways to accomplish amazing things that before seemed out of my grasp. I need to have a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that I can freely articulate to the world. It is my calling to, at age 4o, push myself to the next level.
How about you. What are you doing right now to challenge yourself? Spend the next five minutes thinking deeply about this question, and then see if you are haunted by your answer....or lack there of... for the rest of the day.
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
Have you purchased The ABC's of Networking (my new book)??? It would mean a lot if you read it and told me what you think. Available at Amazon.com.
SuperCuts and Inflation
On the news this morning they were laughing about presidential candidate, John Edwards, and his $400 haircuts. I missed the main part of the story, but was thinking about the delta of $386 between my haircuts and this man's grooming rituals.
$400 for a haircut?
Obviously my life is very, very different from Mr. Edwards.
thom
$400 for a haircut?
Obviously my life is very, very different from Mr. Edwards.
thom
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Your Networking Is Not "Fluffy"
Top executives have networks. Let's face it, you do not get to the top alone. Those who excel in their careers usually have developed relationships with others who help them along the way, and having this kind of support is having a network.
I recently was up for an opportunity to speak to a local business group. One of the members had heard me give a talk at a Chamber of Commerce event, and encouraged the board of another group to use me as one of their monthly speakers. The decision maker asked me about my topic. I mentioned that I wrote two books about networking, "Some Assembly Required" and "The ABC's of Networking"....and his face contorted into a grizzly grimace.
I chose not to react. I just smiled. He finally replied, "We need to have more substantial topics for this group". He felt that networking was a "fluffy" topic, and that nobody in his organization would find it important enough to attend the meeting.
I laughed, the whole reason to attend his meetings is the good networking. I have talked to dozens of companies, law firms, and business organizations over the past two years and always get positive feedback (and invited back to discuss the topic further). This gentleman had some pre-set notions about networking, and nothing I said was going to change his mind.
His final comment was that his audience is "made up of high level executives, and they do not waste their time on networking". Huh? They don't network, yet they come to his networking luncheon? Additionally, it is usually the top executives who welcome reminders about re-connecting with important contacts, and go back to their companies and encourage their teams to cultivate business relationships.
How about you, do you have pre-set opinions about networking? Think it is "fluffy"? I think many people share these thoughts.
I have another opportunity to speak to a group that focuses on "Leadership". They did not grimace at my topic, but instead we brainstormed how to make networking link to leadership. We agreed that leaders have networks, and that having strong business friendships makes you a more effective executive. Sounds right to me.
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
I recently was up for an opportunity to speak to a local business group. One of the members had heard me give a talk at a Chamber of Commerce event, and encouraged the board of another group to use me as one of their monthly speakers. The decision maker asked me about my topic. I mentioned that I wrote two books about networking, "Some Assembly Required" and "The ABC's of Networking"....and his face contorted into a grizzly grimace.
I chose not to react. I just smiled. He finally replied, "We need to have more substantial topics for this group". He felt that networking was a "fluffy" topic, and that nobody in his organization would find it important enough to attend the meeting.
I laughed, the whole reason to attend his meetings is the good networking. I have talked to dozens of companies, law firms, and business organizations over the past two years and always get positive feedback (and invited back to discuss the topic further). This gentleman had some pre-set notions about networking, and nothing I said was going to change his mind.
His final comment was that his audience is "made up of high level executives, and they do not waste their time on networking". Huh? They don't network, yet they come to his networking luncheon? Additionally, it is usually the top executives who welcome reminders about re-connecting with important contacts, and go back to their companies and encourage their teams to cultivate business relationships.
How about you, do you have pre-set opinions about networking? Think it is "fluffy"? I think many people share these thoughts.
I have another opportunity to speak to a group that focuses on "Leadership". They did not grimace at my topic, but instead we brainstormed how to make networking link to leadership. We agreed that leaders have networks, and that having strong business friendships makes you a more effective executive. Sounds right to me.
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
Friday, April 20, 2007
Friday Parade - Blog Archive Day!!!
Today I encourage you to go back in history. Select a date in the last year or two (your birthday, perhaps) and click through on the archives (look on the left hand side of the page) of The Some Assembly Required Blog and re-read that post.
Come on, it wont take that much time. Who knows, your karma might be just right and you will discover a nugget of knowledge or inspiration that will effect your whole day in some amazing manner.
As encouragement, if you do this, and then leave a relevant comment on this post telling us what your read, I will enter you in a drawing to receive a free copy of my new book, The ABC's of Networking (New Year Publishing, 2007). You must leave your comment by Sunday, April 22nd. The book has only been available for one week, so be the first on your block to read the darn thing!
Have A Great Day
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Come on, it wont take that much time. Who knows, your karma might be just right and you will discover a nugget of knowledge or inspiration that will effect your whole day in some amazing manner.
As encouragement, if you do this, and then leave a relevant comment on this post telling us what your read, I will enter you in a drawing to receive a free copy of my new book, The ABC's of Networking (New Year Publishing, 2007). You must leave your comment by Sunday, April 22nd. The book has only been available for one week, so be the first on your block to read the darn thing!
Have A Great Day
thom
www.thomsinger.com
"Some Assembly Required" Back in Stock at Book People
As many who have heard me speak know, I am a fan of independent bookstores. I grew up shopping for reading materials at Vroman's in Southern California. It was a friendly place, and thrives to this day in Pasadena, California. A friend of mine, Anne, who was the most avid reader I knew in elementary school, now works for Vroman's. I think that is cool.
Locally in Austin, Texas we have Book People. This is the creme de la creme of the Indy Book Sellers (2005 Book Store of the Year, according to Publisher's Weekly!). When I released my first book, Some Assembly Required, they not only carried it, but are delightfully supportive of all local authors.
Many had told me that it was out of stock, but they now have plenty of copies available. If you live in Austin, and have never read Some Assembly Required, swing by their downtown location! If you are planning on visiting our fine city, you should experience what is truly one of our local gems. If you are nowhere near Austin, the book is available on Amazon.com.
They do not yet carry my new book, The ABC's of Networking, but I am working on that!!! I know that local folks like the ease of having a local vendor. It is available in stock at Amazon.com...so please order today!
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
Locally in Austin, Texas we have Book People. This is the creme de la creme of the Indy Book Sellers (2005 Book Store of the Year, according to Publisher's Weekly!). When I released my first book, Some Assembly Required, they not only carried it, but are delightfully supportive of all local authors.
Many had told me that it was out of stock, but they now have plenty of copies available. If you live in Austin, and have never read Some Assembly Required, swing by their downtown location! If you are planning on visiting our fine city, you should experience what is truly one of our local gems. If you are nowhere near Austin, the book is available on Amazon.com.
They do not yet carry my new book, The ABC's of Networking, but I am working on that!!! I know that local folks like the ease of having a local vendor. It is available in stock at Amazon.com...so please order today!
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Addicted To Technology
Author Harvey Mackay writes a weekly syndicated column. It appears in newspapers around the country, or you can subscribe and get it by email. Harvey is always insightful, and his writing is easy to read.
This week he wrote about the abundance of technology in our lives. He reminds us of the computer, HAL, in 2001: A Space Odysseyy, and how in the beginning HAL seemed like a benefit to everyone. However, HAL goes haywire and begins to dominate the humans...even killing one crew member on the space station.
Alas, our own experiences with technology are going haywire. We are so dependent on our electronics that we never seem free of our cellphone, blackberries, laptops, etc... Sure, your Trio probably wont kill you, it does possibly dominate your existence.
Harvey recommends three steps to free yourself:
1. Limit your multitasking. You are more efficient when you work on one thing at a time.
2. Schedule your life. Set a time for email and other tech related tasks.
3. Disconnect. Sometimes you just need to take a break from all your gadgets.
All great advice. But that disconnect one? Ouch, it is hard not to grab the blackberry every five minutes and see if there is new email!
It does feel good when you have a day that you control, not one where you are lost in email, web-surfing, phone calls, and speadsheets. The constant feeling of trying to catch up is a result of having too many things going on at once. I know, I live that life!
When I was a kid in the 1970s there was talk about the coming technology. It was predicted that computers would make us so much more efficient that we would have three or four day work weeks by the year 2000. The opposite is true, we are working harder and longer.
While technology is not the killer HAL computer, technology has enslaved humanity...not freed us.
Look, right now you are on your computer reading this blog online or as an email (if you subscribe on the right side of the page, you can get my posts delivered daily into your email!).
Have A Great Day.
thom
thom@thomsinger.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)