TNNW, July, 2008, Week 4: Mr. Peters Has Left the Building

This week we wish a fond farewell to Rob Peters, our Financial Services Editor. Although with us for a short time, Rob brought a unique view of Financial Services and the Relationship Economy. We wish Rob all the best as he submits his last article this month. WE WILL MISS YOU ROB!!!

Stay tuned next month as Rob's successor is revealed!

TNNW continues to expand into a worldwide phenomenon! We wanted to welcome our latest subscribers who have joined us this past month from AL, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IL, LA, MA, MN, NC, NH, NM, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SD and TX in the U.S. as well as Canada, The Netherlands, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. WELCOME ONE AND ALL!!!

As always, I look forward to Networking with you...

- Adam

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

TNNW, July, 2008, Week 4: Mr. Peters Has Left the Building

Trust in the Connected Financial World

By Rob Peters

Financial Services Editor

As I write this article, IndyMac Bank, a large and active mortgage specialist was seized by federal regulators, in the third-largest bank failure in U.S. history.

Today maybe more than ever, we as individuals, business professionals, and corporations must keep commitments to our families, customers, partners, employers. And even government regulators.

With all the turmoil in the banking industry, it has become very clear a new approach is required to continue the flows of capital across the United States as well as the world.

In this interconnected world, when “commitments” are not kept they have a tsunami effect on financial services and economies across the globe (that we have seen the last 12 months).

Fannie-Mae and Freddie Mac, the two stockholder-owned, government-sponsored mortgage companies, whose functioning is critical to efficient functioning of the U.S. housing market, are facing a severe crisis in confidence. As both these entities have received infusions of fresh financial capital, it is even more important that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac receive a large dose of “Relationship Capital”.

Banks selling complex mortgage loans to individuals who clearly do not understand the “fine print”. - - WHERE IS THE TRUST?

Investment Banks selling Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO) to Investors who clearly did not understand the risk of these pools of capital. - - WHERE IS THE TRUST?

A laissez-faire government environment which created a long-term environment of “cheap” money created this mortgage “bubble”. -- WHERE IS THE TRUST?

And YES, even Individuals who took on 0% down-payment adjustable-rate-mortgages that they did not understand and probably new that that they would be faced with a problem in the future, but chose to grab the dream of home ownership NOW. -- WHERE IS THE TRUST?

I propose a new path to take for the future.

We as individuals, corporations, financial services firms, and government agencies need to develop and follow a code of behavior in this interconnected relationship capitalistic world.

The choices and actions we make effect our community, country, the world, and future generations not even born yet.

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

Trust in the Connected Financial World

The First Impression Factor, Part 4

JetNetting with Heshie Segal

Part III of First Impressions had to be summed up in a sentence, it would be this: “For either gender, the power outfit is a high quality, simple, dark conservative suit.”

Let’s now turn our attention to what color can really do and mean for you and follow that with your choice of accessories.

I have taught color and design for years . . . long before I became a speaker and writer. The impact of color is so emotional, so powerful, so influential it can often override the principles of an excellent design. We knowingly or unknowingly use color to judge someone’s credibility, intelligence, friendliness, leadership ability, confidence, trustworthiness, approachability, attitude, energy, credibility, flexibility, status, intelligence and the list goes on. Bright colors can energize. Dark colors can be powerful. Natural colors are more soothing. On the other hand, they all, of course, can have the opposite effect . . . boring, over stimulating or morbid.

I have watched people squirm in a room with red walls, and fall asleep in a room with light blue walls. Fast food restaurants sometimes use a yellow décor to get people in and out quickly. How does your stomach feel when you think of green mashed potatoes or brown bologna? As an example of differences, I once submitted the same embroidery design to teach in Texas and New England. Because I had done my homework, I knew that pink and turquoise would fly in the Southwest and that burnt orange and dark green would go over well in New England. In both cases, the design was eagerly accepted. When I brought the other color scheme in as an example of how color changes are perceived, the reactions were negative.

We tend to dismiss something because of our color preferences. Color affects our world, hence is it any wonder that what you are wearing will affect those with whom you are connecting?

If you have the knowledge and the tools, you can successfully influence those in your environment. A comprehensive exploration of color would take volumes; this article only allows for a synopsis.

Generally speaking, the use of color refers to both genders.

Darker colors such black, dark blue, and charcoal gray command authority. They project power, strength, confidence and intelligence.

The lighter shades, gray and mid-navy blue still reflect authority, power and leadership, yet add a sense of warmth and approachability.

Light colors project friendliness, trustworthiness and approachability and lack a strong sense of power and authority.

Bright colors reflect energy, boldness, aggressiveness, create excitement and draw attention. They are not nearly as professional as the darker colors. In business, bright colors are best used as an accent in a tie, shirt or scarf.

Autumn colors convey trust and humility, not leadership or competency.

Pastels are mostly feminine colors and reflect compassionate caring and in the business world, weakness, vulnerability and non-professionalism.

Color should be worn strategically. While navy blue ranks the highest of the traditional colors worn in business, medium to dark neutral colors are acceptable. For men, the small accent of splash can be in a tie, for women, it can be an accessory or even a piece of jewelry.

Dark suits are generally worn by people who are ambitious and/or socially motivated and, as previously stated, darker colors command more respect.

Summary of colors and their influence in the decision making process:

Note: just as a stickler for my color aficionados, black and white are achromatic –

meaning lack of color; however, for the purposes of this articles I am including

them as “colors”.

Black reflects authority, power, independence, seriousness, and mystery for some, and

depression and evil for others. It is a more formal color and in business is less favored

than navy or gray. It is a favored color for people who want to appear slimmer, stylish

and sophisticated.

White is worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While white is a man’s power

color for a shirt, a white suit should be saved for evening wear. White shoes are causal

and not to be used for dress. Women may wear a white suit in the summer. Do not

wear a white belt or carry a white purse for business. White reflects innocence and

purity.

Blue is a universally favorite color. Darker blues project dignity and power and create an

impression of loyalty and trustworthiness. Navy pinstripes is used for the real power

suit. While women can use blue for accessories, men should not. Women can carry a

black briefcase, not navy. Mid-blue is more friendly. Light blue is considered casual and

weak.

Red commands attention and personifies energy and power. While red is generally too

strong as a business suit, women, especially on stage, often wear it as a power suit.

Men will wear a red power tie. Because it stimulates the heartbeat, it can be irritating

when overused. If your intent is to draw attention to yourself, wear red.

Yellow is an attention getter, so like red, wear it as an accent. Light yellow is easily worn

in a man’s shirt or tie. Pair yellow with a power color such as navy, black or gray.

Orange can be worn by men as an accent in a tie. Women can wear orange in blouses

and dresses and do best when paired with power colors. Wearing light peach makes a

woman look younger.

Green can be worn as an accent color in a tie. Light green is not acceptable for men in

business; darker shades are usually fine. Light green can looks cheap. Bright green is

more for casual wear and is not worn by serious professionals.

Brown is often associated with older men. Unless it is truly in vogue, simply use it as a

neutral accent.

Pink is an excellent choice for women’s accessories. While a man can wear solid or pin

stripe pink shirt, it should be reserved for a less formal business event.

Violet or purple can be worn by men in a tie. Women in business can use it for suits,

dresses, blouses, scarves and jewelry.

In First Impressions Part V, we will deal with accessories.

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

The First Impression Factor, Part 4

Star Power

By Scott R. Forcino, Esq.

Real Estate Editor

This month I had the pleasure of attending the 2008 Star Power Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. This is where instruction, interaction, networking and sharing can be found. It’s also a family reunion of sorts with attendees returning annually. Over 1100 attendees gained insight how to improve their careers and networked amongst each other.

STAR POWER Systems is a time-proven idea sharing network that continuously offers leading-edge systems and techniques from nearly 300 top working real estate agents from across the country, each of whom averages over 200 transactions per year. In the spirit of sharing, this affiliation of Stars selflessly extends a menu of success to other success-minded agents, from which they can choose those strategies and methods to immediately implement that best fit their market, style, and personality.

More than 170 Stars bring the magic of their success as they share their knowledge, drive and experience that helped them reach the top 1% of their industry. There is also a complete directory of the Stars to allow contact to learn more and network further.

Of course there are over 75 educational sessions and Networking Luncheons and Networking BreakOut Events and a Vendor Expo, in which I participated.

Overall, this event is another example of realtors nationally getting together to address the important issues surrounding the industry and the housing market coupled with the credit crunch/mortgage meltdown. There was much input regarding this important topic and many opinions were voiced within the context of learning and networking amongst peers.

Scott R. Forcino --- google me !!
www.prorealestatecity.com
scott@prorealestatecity.com
ph: 914.997.7503
cell:914.879.8411

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

Star Power

It’s a Y-ed, Wide World

By Maria Elena Duron

Multicultural Networking Editor

I interviewed Vikki Pusong an avid blogger and bio-chemistry major in Manila, Philippines who I’ve connected with via the online world. I asked her, “does multiculturalism matter to Gen Y?” Vikki’s response was, “No really. Maybe it's because we don't really like to check if someone's Latina or Asian or Caucasian. It's like we're busier with what's happening in our social groups and the causes were into than finding out who's from where and who speaks what. It's like, your cultural background doesn’t really have an impact on what my views or opinions are. And I think most of the people I know are like that, too, even those from different countries and backgrounds.”

Oh yes, the Gen Y-ers or better known as the Millennials have a wide world thanks to social networking. “So what is it like to be a Gen Y-er?” you might ask. Take a peek of what’s happening in the multicultural environment of the Net Generation.

Multitasking made easy. Technology is everywhere and the Milllennials use it all the time like doing homework, finishing a project at work, and building relationships. This generation relies on emails, instant messengers, mobile phones, iPods, and social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. Believe it or not, they can listen to their iPods, reply to text messages and do their homework all at the same time. It seems like there’s no time to waste. They are ever so busy updating their Facebook profiles, uploading pictures in Flickr, posting new articles in their blogs and commenting on their friends’ post. This group is not only interested in playing computer games, they are very knowledgeable in making them, too. Sharing their games and personal information to the world is their thing. Imagine how many people connected to the internet that could see what they like to eat, what saddens them, or what music they rave about. They could easily find people all over the world who share the same interests and be friends with them by just a click of the mouse.

The word “friend” has a new meaning. If you search its meaning in a Merriam-Webster dictionary, you will find that a friend is “one who is attached to another by affection or esteem.” However, for a Gen Y-er, a friend is a contact in Friendster or MySpace. Don’t get me wrong, this generation is still interested in keeping relationships that involve feelings or affection. But we have to take note that they still keep a social network in cyberspace where “friends” is simply a tally of contacts in that certain site. “Friends” are the people who comment on their pictures or blogs or view their public profiles. Aside from social networking sites, they have made friends by playing online games, moderating forums and joining real time online discussions in mIRC or Yahoo! Messenger.

Gender and ethnicity is not a problem. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett Ph.D., authored books and studied about these “emerging adults” for years. He claims that they are more educated as compared to the older generations. The National Center for Education Statistics showed that the number of undergraduates in 2004 reached up to 17.3 million, a number twice as large as what is was in 1970s (8.6 million). Because of their knowledge in using computers and unique ways of making friends through the internet, Dr. Arnett’s studies shows that they have fewer barriers in terms of race and gender. Suddenly, the world has become flat. As long as they share the same and sometimes different views or interests, they can easily form connections with other people. They don’t really mind if the person is a man or a woman, whether they are multilingual or if they belong to a certain ethnic group. Dave Verhaagen, author of the book Parenting the Millennial Generation, mentioned that the Millennials have a potential to be a great generation because they can see other people beyond their age, gender, or ethnicity.

Welcome the new ways to promote social awareness. Social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn have found new ways to involve this group of emerging adults in creating social awareness. There are advocacy groups like “Support a Woman’s Right to Choose” and Pro-Life where members can join and rally support. Being collaborative is actually one of the positive traits of Generation Y. Why do you think MTV’s Anti-AIDS concerts sell like pancakes? It’s because Gen Y-ers think that life is an ongoing collaboration with different people. They just love getting involved, so more and more non-profit organizations take advantage of this opportunity to include them in various causes. This group made volunteering and civil involvement the “it” thing.

Gen-Yers have to go to work, too. I have come across this article in the internet called, “Attention Boomers: Generation Y Expects To Find You In Social Networks.” The author shared about a Talent Management head’s interview with a Gen Y candidate. The interviewer was stunned when the candidate mentioned that he couldn’t find him on the social network, LinkedIn. Obviously, aside from Googling the company name and its people prior to a job interview, the candidate tried to search for the HR Director’s profile in a social network to get to know the interviewer’s personality and see how he can make a connection. As for the working Gen Y-ers, studies show that they love to work with bosses who are fond of teaching new things and providing constant feedback. They enjoy learning in a dynamic and interactive environment.

The Gen Y-ers’ way of building and maintaining relationships has affected schools, jobs, and marketing industries. Also, more and more studies are made about Generation Y. Companies are now interested about their work patterns and how their lifestyle affects their output. Because of this group’s distinct behavior, aside from parents and employers, marketers are also keeping an eye on this new type of consumer. Truly, there’s a lot of potential in their humongous network that knows no boundaries. But the best way to really learn more about them is to join them and see what it’s like to be inside their Y-ed, wide world.

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

It’s a Y-ed, Wide World

Lunch Bunch

By Scott R. Forcino, Esq.

Legal Editor

This month I examined the above attorney networking gathering in Washington D.C.of a random group of solo practitioners who regularly meet for lunch. The group has grown exponentially since its inception but its purpose has not. It's a chance to connect and socialize and network with other solos. Business cards and war stories and referrals are exchanged.

The Lunch began nine years ago by a request to the ABA's Solo Attorney department asking if anyone in the D.C. area wanted to get together for lunch. These lawyers meet monthly since that point. The group has grown to over 160 members with about 35 lawyers meeting every month in an informal, non-threatening setting. Many valauble referrals have been given/gotten and more importantly, clients have been served successfully. The huge range of practice areas means there is always a fellow attendee who can refer a client or take on a compelling issue and there is always an authority in a legal topic.

Very recently the Lunch Bunch had their first guest speaker, Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler. He spoke concerning his office's goals and accomplishments. This was a seminal moment for the group. It is anticipate that additional important speakers will attend the meetings and the group will gain in membership and stature and will continue its strong networking benefits.

Scott R. Forcino --- google me !!
www.prorealestatecity.com
scott@prorealestatecity.com
ph: 914.997.7503
cell:914.879.8411

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

Lunch Bunch

What Does Health Mean to You?

By Meira Findel

Health & Wellness Editor

For each one of us the answer to this question is different. Let me share with you what it means to me and maybe you will resonate with it…

Life is full of pieces that need to fit together to make a whole picture, just like a puzzle. When all the pieces fit we feel great. For me that means that means spirituality, relationships, finances, and physical well being.

Recently I added a wonderful healer, Jozef Pinter, into my routine that has helped me balance a few things in my body and it caused a ripple effect in all the other areas of my life. Right after tax season ended I began a regimen of detoxing. However the detox wasn’t only in the physical but also emotional and spiritual levels.

When we detox a lot of things surface and it can be a little scary however with a wonderful support system of healers and teachers it is the path to heaven on earth.

Detoxing creates space for something new. A new way of thinking, living, of being.

Jozef Pinter is a wonderful healer, full of love and compassion. At heart Jozef is an inventor and he invented several products that I believe will revolutionize the medical community.

What sets Jozef apart from others is that he customizes a treatment plan of energy work, detox, foods and supplements specifically for each individual client.

I guarantee that if you are committed to this process, as I am, you will change everything about your life and create a life full of passion and energy.

You can find Jozef at the Princeton Holistic Clinic in New Jersey. He can be reached at 609-921-6700.

There are many opportunities to network at the Clinic. Check out their meetup group at: http://spiritualism.meetup.com/337/

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

What Does Health Mean to You?

One-Stop-Shop

By Kathleen Ronald

Southwest Bureau Chief
(California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona)

I recently discovered www.getnetworkingnow.com, a fantastic business networking website that every community should envy.

• Have you ever found yourself slaving over the internet, just to find the perfect networking opportunities in your community?

• Do you tire of having to go to each of your local chamber’s sites in order to locate their calendars?

• Have you ever wished that someone would create a one-stop shop where every event and business resources could be found on one website?

If you live in the Sacramento area, you’re in luck!

Rebecca Johnson, co-founder of Get Networking Now! experienced those same feelings when she and her husband launched their security company several years ago. As a new business owner, Rebecca soon found the “power of networking” to be a key strategy in expanding her business.

Rebecca would routinely spend four to five hours a month, searching the web for networking opportunities. In time, she came to realize that there was a ‘missing link.’ Rebecca decided that there was a need to save people like herself from wasting countless frustrating hours searching for calendars of networking events, and she resolved to meet that need.

Initially, Rebecca’s calendar was simply a tool that she used for her own benefit, and before long, her friends begged her to share the resource with them. However, the number of those benefiting from her services was small in comparison to the amount of people who needed them. After she met Kim Stein (through networking, naturally), the two decided to partner up in order to meet a higher demand, and after combining their talents, Get Networking Now! was born.

Get Networking Now! now hosts calendars for: chambers, networking groups, ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand openings, classes and trainings, tele-seminars, network marketing, charitable events and community calendars as well.

With networking ties to sites such as www.linkedin.com and www.trainingregistry.com, Get Networking Now! has more than enough connections to offer users a variety of resources and services for every need.

One of the most attractive aspects of Get Networking Now! is that all of these services, from its earliest foundations to its ever-expanding resources, are easy to find, easy to use and completely FREE!

One of my personal favorite aspects they offer is a unique service, allowing users to post trade show and vendor opportunities.

In addition, Get Networking Now! just recently began a blog, which features local experts sharing business tips and tricks.

In the future they will be offering low cost / low risk advertising, quarterly events, and message boards, and they plan on providing basic networking training, too.

This site not only serves the Sacramento business professionals; it also serves the community at large. It is truly a one-stop shop!

Can you hear the collective sigh of relief, from all those previously frustrated by hours of research?

Every time I’m in Sacramento, it is comforting to know that my networking and business resource needs can be met by a simple visit to www.getnetworkingnow.com!

I applaud the vision of Rebecca and Kim, and I urge you, if you live near, or are visiting the greater Sacramento area, to check out Get Networking Now!

After all, as they say at www.getnetworkingnow.com, your one-stop shop for networking needs, “Business success is just a click away!”

If you are interested in finding out more about this unique offering you can contact Rebecca Johnson at rebecca@getnetworkingnow.com or Kim Stein at kim@getnetworkingnow.com.

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

One-Stop-Shop

So your networking worked. Now what?

By Bruce Newman

Mid-Atlantic Bureau Chief
(New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, West Virginia, Virginia)

I have started compiling a list of different networking organizations in my territory. At this point, I have only spoken briefly with a few of them. Once my list is more complete, I will provide it in one of my monthly columns. If you know of a networking group (in my territory) that would like to be listed, please have them email me at: bnewman@prodinst.com .

This month’s topic: So your networking worked. Now what?

What good is being a good networker if you can’t do a good follow-up? From personal experience, I can attest to the frustration of successfully networking to obtain a meeting with a key prospect, only to be undone by a co-worker’s really bad presentation. Having recently attended a networking meeting in which the main speaker, Debbie Fay, gave an excellent presentation on how to present – do’s and don’ts, I asked her if she would share a few key presentation elements. Debbie wrote,

1. "Be You, Be Quiet, and Be Connecting." Be yourself. You don’t have to be funny to be effective. Be quiet: watch out for non-verbal and verbal behaviors that can become so “loud” that the audience can’t hear your message. Things like fiddling with clothing, tapping a pencil, ums and ahs, you knows and I means, can be hugely distracting to your audience. Instead of uming and ahing, pause regularly to let the audience absorb your points. Be connecting by making eye contact with members of the audience and anticipating the audience's mood. For instance, if it's lunchtime, cut your presentation short. You’ll be a hero.

2. The "Rule of Threes" - Leave the audience with three main points to remember. At the beginning of your speech tell what the three points are. In the body of the presentation, describe the three points, and at the end summarize the points. In a sales presentation, don’t try and illustrate more than five benefits of your product or service.

3. Big, Bold, and Brief - PowerPoint presentations should be "Big, Bold, and Brief". Rely on graphics to make your points. The text on the slides should be suggestive but not self-explanatory. Don't read the copy to the audience - they can do that. Expand on the copy. Ideally, every visual aid should act as a synergistic component. It plus you, should equal more than either one of you could alone.

Also, don't distribute hand-outs until the end of the presentation. Once you give an audience reading material, all heads will go down. You want all eyes on you; give handouts at the conclusion of your presentation.

(Debbie Fay is the president of Bespeak Presentation Solutions, www.bespeakpresentations.com, specializing in speaking and presentations.)

Networking Announcements – Special Events

Any networking group or organization that has a special meeting or conference they wish to announce, relevant articles or topics they wish to discuss, or would like to be featured by me (if possible), please email me at: bnewman@prodinst.com .

Mid Atlantic Networking - Wednesday, July 23 2008, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

This special event will feature Don Tolman, speaking on Self Care and Self Education. Don't miss Don's incredible insights and fascinating delivery of information that can change your life! www.midatlanticnetworking.com

Bruce Newman is the Vice President at The Productivity Institute, LLC (http://www.prodinst.com) which provides prodinst by matching the specific software products and services needs of companies to rated outstanding consultants who can meet those needs. Any company that wishes to improve their productivity can sign up for this free service and be contacted by up to five rated outstanding consultants.

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

So your networking worked. Now what?

TNNW, July, 2008, Week 3: This Issue is Dedicated to Harvey Mathason

When I started The National Networker back in February, 2005, I knew I had a decent idea, but had no clue as to how it would really look three and a half years later. In fact, the very first issue had no articles whatsoever! The following month, though, I felt compelled to write something and I did, but it wasn't until August that I realized that TNNW was bigger than myself and allowed others to join me. One of my first writers was Harvey Mathason.

For those who know Harvey, he's a quiet, unassuming guy...until you get onto his favorite subject: "creativity"...then you can't get him to stop! I found Harvey's enthusiasm for creativity as strong as mine for networking...and he's just a lovable guy.

It was for this reason, I asked him to write a column for us combining our two favorite subjects and thus his monthly column, "Creativity in Networking" was launched in October, 2005 and it's been a regular mainstay of TNNW since then. He was reliable, getting me his article well before the deadline every month.

I knew something was up this past month, when I never received his usual contribution, and it wasn't until a few days ago that I heard in an email message from his wife that he wanted me to know that he was in the hospital and could not get anything to me this month.

Needless to say I was, and still am concerned for my friend and wish he and his family my sincerest wishes for his speedy recovery. So for all you Harvey fans out there, please join me in saying...CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE YOU BACK HARVEY!!!

Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

TNNW, July, 2008, Week 3: This Issue is Dedicated to Harvey Mathason