Networking is Not a Dirty Word
Many of my career coaching clients cringe at the word “networking.” But I think networking gets a bad rap. When undertaken in the right spirit, building relationships can be fun as well as helpful. And you don’t have to be Keith Ferrazi to do it.
Read MoreTen Tips for Business Development
Here are ten tips to help you grow your business and develop strong client relationships: 1. Know your value. What do you offer? What are your core strengths? 2. Know your edge. Be able to articulate what sets you apart from competitors. If you are a small player, know how being nimble and scrappy is an advantage; if you are the biggest, know how being established and well-resourced is an advantage. 3. Identify your ideal client or customer so you know what you want and whom to target. 4. Do your homework. Understand your potential client’s business needs and how to serve them....
Read MoreTaking Your Game to a Bigger Arena
I am just back from a trip to New York to pitch my old law firm, Davis Polk & Wardwell, on the value of coaching and try to persuade them to include coaching in their associate development and retention program. I’ll cut to the chase: I was unsuccessful. My lack of track record in a firm setting, management’s structural concerns, and the current economic climate all conspired to make my proposal a non-starter. And while I feel disappointed, I’m not crushed. I don’t feel like a failure. I actually feel proud of myself. So what’s that about? It’s...
Read MoreNetworking? Moi?
Okay, I admit it. I am networking …. It started out as something I thought I ought to do to promote my coaching practice, but I now, I’m actually having fun. I am delighted by making friends on Facebook and connections on LinkedIn. Who knew? I guess this is yet another lesson for me as build my coaching practice: if you put yourself out there, you get back even more. And while I certainly hope that my networking yields some referrals and clients (as it already has), I am simply enjoying myself. How cool is that? I don’t have to do any cheesy marketing spiel – I am...
Read More