Consider this... humour is a wonderful networking and mentoring tool. It breaks the ice, relaxes folks and offers a small bridge towards the grey zone (see Oct posting: Grey Zones).
I'm not talking about stand up comedy or poorly conceived jokes. Just the little quips, observations and silly asides that can liven up a conversation.
It's using your 'inside voice' judiciously. It often has a grain of truth to it. And it creates a point of connection between you and the person who also found that something humourous.
Networking events and one on one coaching sessions can be so deadly dull! Folks can come away feeling disconnected, bored and/or overwhelmed. Laugh a little together.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Mentoring & Networking
#1 - Mentoring and networking are two sides of the same coin.
#2 - You can possibly network without being deliberately involved in mentoring (giving or receiving) but you can’t deepen relationships purely through networking.
#3 - Networking is a key component of your personal ‘brand’. Mentoring can help you examine that brand.
#4 - Networking takes preparation, practice and commitment.... as much as mentoring does.
#5 - Mentoring and networking are vital to any person doing anything at which they want to excel.
#6 Both mentoring and networking are your choice. There are many folks who are very happy not doing either. Mentoring and networking don't guarantee you success but they sure can help.
#2 - You can possibly network without being deliberately involved in mentoring (giving or receiving) but you can’t deepen relationships purely through networking.
#3 - Networking is a key component of your personal ‘brand’. Mentoring can help you examine that brand.
#4 - Networking takes preparation, practice and commitment.... as much as mentoring does.
#5 - Mentoring and networking are vital to any person doing anything at which they want to excel.
#6 Both mentoring and networking are your choice. There are many folks who are very happy not doing either. Mentoring and networking don't guarantee you success but they sure can help.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Questions excite me
Someone tried to pay me a compliment (publicly) last night and I did what I always do - I shrugged and ducked. I said, "I just ask questions and then folks credit me with the answers; it's a neat trick."
As I walked up to the streetcar an hour later, I had a small epiphany. It is all about the questions.
Questions excite me - challenge me - inspire me. Questions are the journey.
Don't get me wrong - there are answers out there too (some of them even good!). But you don't know they're good unless you've been asking - and trying - other variations.
Ask. Listen. Try. Ask some more.
As I walked up to the streetcar an hour later, I had a small epiphany. It is all about the questions.
Questions excite me - challenge me - inspire me. Questions are the journey.
Don't get me wrong - there are answers out there too (some of them even good!). But you don't know they're good unless you've been asking - and trying - other variations.
Ask. Listen. Try. Ask some more.
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