Thoughts On Networking

The other day I attended a networking event and had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people. The event included a speaker, who was fabulous - very informative and enthusiastic. I paid to attend the event and walked away with more than I thought I would, which is what we want, right?

During the event I noticed how many people that attended were distracted and not giving the speaker the respect he deserved. They chatted with friends and colleagues, checked their email on their phone and texted during the entire event. I wondered what they "took with them" and if they got what they paid for.

As someone who hosts and leads a networking group, here are a few tips I thought necessary to share - more like networking etiquette - in order to give the speaker, host or leader the respect they deserve for chairing the event, as well as those in the room who came to network and learn. Knowing I have done a few of these myself, my commitment is to make each event count for as many people as I can by practicing these five tips.

1. Turn your phone off! If you can't turn it off, at least turn it on silent. I do understand that there are some positions that need 24-hour-a-day availability, like on call physicians, police officers, and fire fighters, to name a few.
2. No texting or emailing! The speaker has committed to sharing his/her knowledge and expertise and deserves your attention. Remember, one day that may be you on the stage.
3. Save the chatter and chit chat for breaks and during specific network times! There are numerous ways to connect with friends and colleagues any other time. Make yourself a note for follow up meetings, emails or phone calls.
4. 30 second introductions mean 30 seconds! Everyone in the room deserves the same respect as the speaker. Don't make it your platform - the leader of the group or event has invited you to "network" not run an infomercial. As a leader, I know I really don't like to play mom and have to set the timer and cut people off mid sentence. If you need help with your intro, I'd be happy to assist.
5. Remember - there are hundreds and thousands of different opportunities out there. Yours is the best FOR YOU! Drop the superiority complex, keeping in mind that what works for you may not work for everyone. We are all here to assist, not insist!

Some of this may sound harsh or less than blissful. It's meant to. These are practices that make it a little more joyful for everyone. All five tips are based upon my own observations as a group leader, speaker and someone who attends networking events, as well as someone like you who has small businesses and practices many different healing modalities. My businesses and practices work for me, they may not work for everyone.

Just like on the road, I'm turning my phone off and paying attention to what lies ahead. I hope you'll join me - life is too short to miss anything!

Time to Cooperate

Network for FREE!
Be Well Birmingham
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Noon - 2:00 pm

Ask yourself and your colleagues, "How can we effectively build our businesses, our lives, through cooperating with those that support our mission?" We all have a mission, a platform, a purpose. That's what I did back in January after I wrote a blog on the "Cooperation Factor." I asked that question to Tamara Stone and Dr. Rose of Be Well in Birmingham. What we came up with is a unique opportunity for others to pitch in and help grow our community.

In order to have our voices heard, our businesses succeed, our purpose fulfilled we need to let go of our ego's need to be on top. Instead, we need to start rebuilding our community with cooperation at the forefront.

"When we commit to cooperating with each other, conflict is dissolved and opportunities are created to combine energies and focus on manifesting better circumstances for all."

In our world, it creates the Bliss Effect - a community working together with joy, where everyone can learn, live, and build from a unique platform of support.

Please join me along with Tamara Stone, and Dr. Rose Batanjski at Be Well On Tuesday, March 9. "Dr. Rose" is the Director of Be Well. We will be hosting our 2nd "Cooperative Networking" event. The event is FREE - yes FREE!

"We simply encourage you to come with cards, a friendly face and the desire to help others succeed!"

Register with Tamara Stone at Tamara@tstoneinteriors.com or at 248-591-7380 prior to Friday, March 5 and receive a free gift.

Interested in hosting a Cooperative Networking event at your business? Call Teri Williams at 248-219-6200 for details.

Bliss ON!!

Taking Control

Special thanks to Aly Darin Photography, Be Well-Birmingham, Molly Livingstone and all the ladies who attended our Mini-Self Luvapalooza!

Connecting with others on a deeper level than simply meeting for coffee or swapping business cards is my number one goal. Sharing my own personal story, tools I’ve used for individual growth and empowerment, seeing others achieve their own greatness and learning to really honor and love who they are, brings that feeling of bliss to my life. I’ve been blessed to have met and worked with so many dynamic, loving people. It’s an honor to have each and every one of you on my path.

Last week was one of those incredible weeks, beginning with our Cooperative Networking Event, closing with our Mini Self Luvapalooza in collaboration with Madly In Love With Me Day founder, Christine Arylo, all held at Be Well in Birmingham. My partner, colleague and friend, Tamara Stone, and I hosted women from all over. Some heard about our events from Facebook, Linked In, and Meet Ups. One woman even heard about our Self Luvapalooza from a friend of hers in Luxemberg. People are talking, people are changing, people, just like you and me, are wanting to connect differently from anything they’ve ever experienced. We are here to help you make those connections.

The one thing that is heard over and over again at our Workshops is about the fear that surrounds this city, this state. So many are going to work (or not going to work) everyday wondering if it will be their last day on the job, years of commitment and dedication leaving them out in the cold. Many are already experiencing that job loss. Today, I challenge you to trust…trust and act. We are not a helpless society. We are powerful, dynamic individuals who have overcome many obstacles.

Last year at this time, I sat down for coffee with my friend Judy Davids, who had just been laid off from her job of 17 years. At the time, I, too was going through mergers and downsizing with my clients. We cried, we laughed and then focused on what we did have. We created our own reality and dreams by not letting the negativity and false fears keep us stagnant and on that emotional roller coaster.

Today, we both have thriving businesses. Judy will be starting a new company of her own in just a few weeks. Not to mention her band, The Mydols, will be seen in the Spring on Gene Simmons, "Family Jewels". The Bliss Network is now visited by people in 43 different countries, with over 24,000 hits a month. Tamara and I offer workshops on Self Love and Creating Miracles in your own life. We are also offering that opportunity to connect on a different level through our Cooperative Networking Events, based on the Cooperation Factor. Judy and I took control of our lives, reached out and made a change.

My closing words are this…Take control of your own life, know that you have options and trust that this too shall pass. You are one heck of an amazing person on an incredibly blissful journey!

Bliss ON!!! Teri