Making Connections with Networking

Many people network, but very few actually connect.

I was at a seminar today with CPA's and Dentists from all over the United States and had another opportunity to engage and make new friends. And once again, I learned a valuable lesson.

Many people were interested in talking about themselves, but so few were interested in others. Oh yes, they appeared to listen, but only for so long.

I had the chance to listen to what concerned two particular people. Both had problems and both had not really resolved them. When I listened and suggested ideas or tactics, they were both pleasantly surprised that I took an interest to such a degree that I actually had viable ideas to their resolution. Now mind you, these were not revolutionary ideas, just simple and workable.

The first gentleman was new to his job as a marketing director. I demonstrated that using analogies to well-known events was effective. This is the essence of positioning and story telling.

My second encounter was with a CPA who had to become more aggressive in marketing, as some of his old clients had gone bankrupt. When I pointed out that most that had not failed fit certain demographics, we discussed how the existing clients could be surveyed as to why they used him, what he offered that was most appreciated, as well as determining their needs and wants. From there, we could see who else was like this and target those types of markets.

The field was open as he never really had to market before is a smooth riding economy. But once the Titanic hit the economic iceberg, then he had to head for some promotional lifeboats.

Of course, both offered their cards without even asking. I wan an ally, and source of help, versus a hand sticking out to somehow schmooze my way into their lives.

Approach, engage and enlighten. Do this daily and you will have a huge network of people to do business with.

Best, Edwin Dearborn

Lance Armstrong: Hero & Branding Master

Since his first Tour de France win, I have been a huge fan of Lance Armstrong. In fact, I use his example of greatness many times in my seminars and in one-on-one interviews.

But Lance is not only a cancer survivor, an inspiration to millions, but he is also a marketing master for his own brand, LiveStrong.

Lance has not only survived one of the deadliest diseases, he went on to prove that mind over matter can be taken to previously inconceivable heights.

You could not have written Lance's story and have it believable. Now this blog article is not about that well covered accomplishment. Lance then toped off his historic feat of seven wins in a row by doing a a perfect job of marketing his "triumph over struggle" feat. Lance has turned his epic life into a powerful brand that represents so much more than surviving cancer.

Lance Armstrong's brand is just as much spiritual and mental as it is physical. LiveStrong is a perfect blend of Lance's name and his belief in his fellow man. He has not only awed us, but Lance has invited us to believe that this is what we're destined for. And Lance has captured that into a bracelet, a clothing line and many other aspects within his ppowerful brand.

The lesson we can learn from is this: We too are survivors of something. In today's economy, we need other examples of HOW TO SURVIVE AND FLOURISH.

I survived the dot.com bust and built a huge internet business.

I have survived well being a successful business woman in a man's world.

I came back from bankruptcy to making millions.

I survived drug addiction, and now run a center to help those who also struggle.

You get the point. Now we might not be as famous as Lance, but the example here is that maybe our positioning could be that of one who can show others how to make it, how to overcome their form of "cancer" and then to flourish depsite all the odds and experts.

Best, Edwin Dearborn