First Impressions

As the old saying goes, "you only get one chance at a first impression." This is quite true. I wrote a bit about it in my post entitled E-Mail Enticement. If you are looking for money or new customers/clients/patients, you need to portray professionalism during your initial introduction. I have worked with some associates over the years who just pass on a lot of junk and want me or my sources to weed through it to find the relevant information. That method often results in a quick pass on the deal by either me or my sources.

If you are trying to "sell" something (either yourself or your products or your services), then do it; "sell" it! Show that you are putting an effort in and have updated information, try not to leave too many holes and be prepared to have answers to questions or concerns that will obviously come up. Provide the benefits to using you/your product/your service. Share why you want someone's business and show that you will do the extra work to get it.

The awareness for today is to have intent behind your actions. Be responsible for yourself and be confident in your business dealings by knowing that you are putting in your all. Make that first impression count.
~Paul

Summer Speed Changes

I have noticed that many of the people I am currently doing business with are traveling quite a bit. This is part of summer's cycle. People's kids are out of school and they take family vacations. Well, I have noticed that because of this, the response time with clients and associates has gotten much longer; people are not responding as quickly as other times of the year.

There is nothing that I can do about this and I am guilty of traveling as well.

The awareness for today is simple: plan a trip and take a vacation. Enjoy the summer and the beautiful weather!

Networking and Not Working

I had a meeting this afternoon and during it we briefly discussed a mutual client/friend who is a power networker. She is great at meeting people and has very strong connections throughout the States. What she lacks, however, is follow through. She may be great at meeting people and making that initial connection, but if she never follows through and just keeps spinning her wheels, she will never get anywhere. It does not help to spread one's self too thin by over committing and them accomplishing anything.

When I network, I am purposeful in my introductions and meeting people. If I say that I will get in touch with someone, I do it. Unfortunately, I often find myself waiting on others. I am by no means perfect, but I am dependable to those who know me.

The awareness for today is to ensure that you follow through on your committed actions.
~Paul

Dealing with Disappointment

I just learned this morning that one of my mega-deals (those huge deals that would be wonderful if they went through, but are not too likely to) is done; done as in off the table as opposed to done as in closed and funded.

This was the type of deal that you make sure not to spend the fee before earning it because the chances of it actually going through are fairly slim. I try not to get too excited about mega-deals, but that is difficult because, well, they are exciting.

This deal cost me very little time as I just connected the involved parties. I didn't lose much time on it at all.

The awareness for today is to be realistic about where we are putting our time and energy. It is great to have high hopes, but we should always "manage our expectations" as a good friend of mine says.
~Paul