Posted by dscaringi on December 28, 2012
As we usher out 2012 and welcome in the new year, it is the perfect time to take note of what went well and what changes we may want to make in the new year. In reading through some of my notes from over the year, I see a theme running through them. Many of my discussions centered on being memorable. So, what activities can you undertake to help make you memorable? Here is a short sampling:
- Make phone calls to talk directly to people instead of emailing or texting.
- Write personal notes to people for specific reasons such as a thank you note, to share a memory or to just touch base.
- Perform a ‘lunch and learn’ for your peers or a client.
- Join clients in their strategic planning sessions and offer to help them identify and meet goals.
- Speak at conferences and invite your clients to be on the panel with you.
- Write articles and share them through social media or other outlets.
- Attend social events and invite clients and peers to go with you.
- Begin a group that discusses a specific topic regularly.
Whatever you choose to do, always be sincere and helpful. Part of being memorable is being real. Honestly working alongside someone to accomplish a common task will always provide a memorable experience. It is up to you to make it a positive experience.
Happy New Year!
Tags: Building Connections, business development, client relationships, connections, helpful, meaningful, planning to succeed, relationships, service, Tips, touchpoints
Posted by dscaringi on February 27, 2012
I often ask people about their marketing programs…what marketing are you doing and how is it going for you? People usually can identify marketing activities fairly easily. It is the second part of my question that becomes more troublesome. Many people reply that they just can’t seem to stick to it.
A lot of marketing success is achieved by being persistent at creating a marketing habit. Habits, good or bad, are something that takes time to develop. Lots of people have great intentions that never quite get off the ground.
I recently came across Charles Duhigg’s newest book: ‘The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business’, which addresses the concept of achieving success by altering people’s habits. In this book, the author talks about ‘the habit loop’. The habit loop is a three-part process:
- First, “there’s a cue, which is kind of a trigger for an automatic behavior to start unfolding,”
- Second, “there’s a routine, which is the behavior itself,”
- Third, ”there’s a reward, which tells our brain whether we should store this habit for future use or not.”
This sounds so simple. But is it really? Yes and No. However, if you can commit to creating one habit (for example, building a new relationship) over a determined period time (say 2 months), you will see that it really isn’t as difficult as you may anticipate.
People have the ability to empower themselves through creating habits. Each step outlined above is independently important. The first step could be considered the starting point to try something new, or adopt a desirable behavior. In our example the trigger is the desire to build a relationship with someone new. The second step, the routine, is the meaty action that will serve to build a credible basis for a relationship. In this case, routine personal interactions between you and your identified individual. The routine may be scheduling follow-up touch points in your calendar such as inviting that person to lunch, or sending them a link to an interesting blog post. Finally, the third (and most fun!) step, the reward. After a period of time, you will experience the individual reaching back out to you. Perhaps this person initiates the next touchpoint, or even better, sends you business. Dwell on that reward and value the power of your new habit. Worth it, right? Yes!
There is strength in creating habits for business. Solid, positive behaviors over an extended period of time will always prove fruitful for business as well as personally. Enjoy the habits you have created and then identify the next good habit you want to develop through this process.
Tags: Building Connections, business development, client relationships, connections, goals, inspiration, meaningful, Networking, relationships, Tips, touchpoints
Posted by dscaringi on December 22, 2011
I was reading one of my favorite blogs (Attorney at Work) and loved today’s post. It is about allowing yourself to take a moment to relax and reflect during this holiday season. With all of the rushing to meet deadlines and pressure to find the perfect gifts, this is the timeless recommendation they offer:
- Slow Down
- Be Kind
- Have Fun
I only venture to add one more suggestion… Capture the joyful moments with family and friends, hold them in your heart and ponder how good life is for a little longer. (Then remember these moments through photos you share with others!).
Happy Holidays!
