The A-B-C Secrets of Networking

Leadership Foundation Academy's graduate Faith T. scans the horizon for networking

+TR Garland, claimed #1 Best-selling author of “Building the Ultimate Network”, shared with me this weekend the 3 common mistakes that networking folks tend to make.  With a little spin on his sharing and my simplified signature “The A-B-C Secrets of…”, you can certainly be a star at the next social event.

1. Assume - That they know everything about networking. Here’s a good story to ponder: Michael Jordan is the NBA star with couple championship rings, but he struggled with a transition to baseball even at a minor league level.  The point is just because you are great at project management, business development, and have 1,000 “likes” on Facebook, Instagram, Tweeter, or even public speaking, you can’t assume you are good at networking (yet).

2. Buy < sell – If everyone at a Network After Work event is looking to make a sale pitch for her product, her resume, her charity, but not intend to buy anything, then what will happen to a room full of sellers and not enough buyers?  Remember Econ101 “supply and demand” principle?  If you want to standout in that environment, be a Buyer!  Imagine now everyone in the room wants to talk with you, Mr. Buyer…

3. Connection – Not enough of it, that is.  All over the world, business deals are made based on chemistry and relationship (i.e.: I like you + I know you well = I’ll do business with you.)  How many follow up meetings, lunches, social events have you connected with from the list of new contacts at the last networking event that you attended?  Go ahead, make that phone call or take a contact to lunch.  Everybody loves to eat! 

Author Rita Mae Brown once wrote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.”  If you want your next networking event to yield different result, maybe you can try this action, “I will talk to 10 people, buy from one of them, and develop a real connection.”  To start our connection, please share your result in the comment below.  Good luck.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

Are You a Leader of Change?

Ashley's Before and After

Yesterday my 13 years old daughter Ashley left the house with a waist-length, full flock of hair and came home with a… radical, pixie cut.  Needless to say, I remained in silence and let my mind wondered of her new look.  For all the ladies out there with long hair, may I ask, “Would you cut yours?”  As I overcame the initial surprise, I realized 3 things that we, as leaders and parents, can learn from this story:

1.        Ashley will start her high school life in a week, and her physical change signals she will not be in the shadow of her older sister Faith who is a junior at the same school.  (Yes, if you guessed Faith has long, silky hair… you are correct.)
2.        With her interest in drama and theatrical arts, Ashley defines her independence from the stereotyped Asian girl of wearing glasses, playing the piano or violent, and having long hair. (And yes, if you guessed Faith plays the piano as butterflies float on a breeze summer day… you are correct.)
3.        Lastly, she has always wanted to donate her hair to Locks of Love - a charitable organization whose mission is to provide prosthetic hairpieces to disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.  Ashley’s change of her look sprouts from a commitment from her heart to help others.

As leaders, we tend to be the ones initiate change, not to receive it.  However, to keep up with all the changes from our organizations, our staff, our family, and our children… maybe we need to change us first.  So the question is simple, “Will you change your look, your thinking, or your heart today?”  
Please share your opinion in the comment section below.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.