Building Developmental Networks, Part 1

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Business Development Networks

How well is your business doing really? Who can take a look at it and tell you which strengths to build on and which areas for improvement will be most profitable? Have you built the right culture to maximize your efforts in the current environment? Are your moves strategic, services compelling and finances sound? Build a business development network to support every aspect of your business.

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Building Developmental Networks, Part 1

What is An Isoquantic Shift?

Strategy: What Say You? with Jay Deragon

John Sculley, former CEO of Apple, described a new theory of change in 1993, called an "isoquantic shift." This theory, said Sculley, "refers to a significant technological advancement that dramatically changes the way people do things and completely re-orients people's concepts of how things are done. For example, the fractional horsepower electric motor was an isoquantic shift from the centralized steam engines that powered many factories during the 19th century."

Jack Myers says “The introduction of real time audio and video to computer Internet access and the integration of the computer and the television set represent another isoquantic shift. The ability of individuals to interact represents a convergence of the telephone, the computer, the television and high-speed cable and telephone modems, altering the ways in which consumers perceive media.”

“A paradigm shift is merely a restructuring of the patterns that we rely on for our decision-making. Paradigm shifts require changes in traditional behavior because we are required to rethink our assumptions. They reflect a change in how people perceive and react to reality. The transition of audiences from broadcast television to cable TV has been a paradigm shift - a slow change in patternistic behavior. Cable has not radically altered the way advertisers communicate to audiences or the way viewers interact with the medium. Successful managers in the 1980s and 1990s conformed to shifting technological, sociological, and regulatory paradigms. The isoquantic shifts on the
horizon are creating even greater apprehension and anxiety. While change has been continuous, pervasive, and overwhelming, it has rarely been so dramatic that it totally alters the way people do things. The changes we are facing today in business are isoquantic shifts, not simple paradigm shifts.”

Sculley points out that "we have seen an isoquantic shift in the computer industry with the microprocessor. The microprocessor clearly changed the whole concept of what computers were, from a centralized device, to one on every desk, to one you are carrying around with you." Sculley also envisioned the isoquantic shifts affecting the television industry: "We're seeing a new isoquantic shift taking place in this decade that is replacing the old analog communications we have known - digital compression communications. That's a very significant factor for all of us because of the convergence of our respective industries, whether it is computers, communications, or content. They're all coming together."

How Fast Are Things Coming Together?

All this social stuff has accelerated change. Change comes from learning new ways of doing old things and creating new things. The power of conversational rivers about anything and everything is accelerating change. The reason is because we are all learning from each other and the idea exchange has been fueled by social technology which has create new markets of conversations never before experienced or envisioned. The conversations are creating new knowledge which fuels innovation.

The business narrative is full of terms like "momentum", "velocity to market", "dynamic", "production" - all of these are time dependent variables.

Wherever one can observe a high rate of change of knowledge among people, there is innovation happening. If the innovation corresponds to your business plan - you are in luck. If it does not, then you need to change your business plan.

The best policy is that which accommodates what people are going to do naturally. Successful companies will align themselves to what people are doing. People will not necessarily align themselves to what companies are doing. The social web is the medium for Isoquantic shifts which is changing how we the people do things and how business gets things done. The change is swift and the more things change the more things come together.

What say you?

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What is An Isoquantic Shift?

Strategy Five: Provide a Joyful Experience to Others

Beyond Networking: Being with Ron Sukenick

Ron's section is sponsored by SmallBizAmerica.com

As you develop your relationship wisdom, you will be more and more aware of what a joyful experience for the other might be. The essence of this strategy is that there are many ways to provide joyful experiences. Bringing creativity and a fresh approach to all your interactions incorporates joy and escalates your relationships to the next level.

Often you may see what needs to be done in the moment. Other times, keeping a journal of all the people you meet and feel a connection to, jotting down their interests, an idea may come that you can later act upon.

Linking the interest of the other person to the action that we take provides a mutually rewarding joyful experience.

Other helpful hints and reminders in providing joyful experiences to others:

1. Say goodbye to people you meet for the first time.
2. Listen intensely to others.
3. Get out of the way---and allow the person you are speaking with to be the most important person in the room.

Thinking point for connection forward - What action steps will you immediately take to provide a joyful experience to others?

Ron Sukenick is the Chief Relationship Officer and founder of the Relationship Strategies Institute, a training and Relationship development company that provides innovative, effective and relevant programs and systems for corporations, organizations, and associations. To learn more about the value of Relationship Development, visit his Web site at www.Ronsukenick.com . You can reach Ron by phone at: 317-216-8210, or by email.

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Strategy Five: Provide a Joyful Experience to Others

Balance in an Unsteady World

By Sian Lindemann
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Very rarely do I react to the news, ie World News Tonight, MSN, ABC or others, as I believe media today is inflated, reactionary and grossly sensationalized. I am not aware of how, you, our readers react to this kind of content, but in response to our beloved (and this is sincerely “tongue in cheek”), “leader” George Bush, I have had many thoughts throughout the evening and morning, as we embark on a very dangerous road….based on decisions being made FOR the American people today.

Today I have an appreciation for the clarity and genuine results procured by those previously in office, Bill Clinton.

(Now I admit I was very disturbed by his past involvement with sexual misconduct, and quite honestly, I could care less what kind of agreements he has in place with his wife.)

If Hilary tolerates this kind of behavior from her husband, that is completely and solely her choice…..I just wish he had stated the truth about it..

I could care less how he chooses to “get off,” but at least be willing to tell the truth, in reference to it. I believe he and WE learned a lot from that scenario…We still love him, and appreciate his current activities as it relates to the environment and “clean energy” development, regardless of his temporary imperfections, of the past.….)

The good news with the selection of those that we have to choose from, for our political future, as to who is going to define our leadership over the next 4 years, I think it is deeply essential for all of us to recognize..

If you don’t know anything about Entrepreneurialism, its time to learn;

If you don’t make enough money to cover your bills, basic necessities and food, its time to add a new division to your activities, that becomes a revenue producing activity. You can cross over into your social agenda to include this option, and make it FUN, but choose to include a new and additional source of income to yourself….( At this time I am suggesting FOOD, Check out http://www.sunrider.com/)food-related industries, and food products that are nourishing, and enable good health) And I strongly suggest that the business in this arena that you might choose not be limited to sales in the United States……as your mass market of middle to low income families will have just dried up…..as of tomorrow;

Take responsibility for your own life;

Eat crow if necessary. I have spent many of the last years engaged in a business that provides service to the elite, Home Care Services, cleaning, landscaping, and many other add on services….The truth be known, I never spent one minute in search of my next meal, coffee, or other basics while engaged in that industry. And I’ve been more marginalized this last year and a half since I left that industry….hmm? The only issue in the way of reconstructing that company is my EGO…and there is not much of that left here now…George Bush just took care of that for me…

Thoughts of a second Great Depression are not an option for ….Resiliency, tenacity and a willingness to take “massive” action are now essential for each and every one of us;

I love art and will continue to promote, cultivate and develop artists, but I am assured that I will be including additional “outside” revenue, as one cannot EAT a painting and although I am the first to acknowledge the need for Food for the Soul, I believe that real FOOD will be the first priority;

I’ve already let go of the luxury of owning and operating a vehicle, and as a demonstration of my roots, will be trading my car for the delightful consideration of walking or “horseback,” or horse – drawn carriage. It will certainly take longer, but giving up the pleasure of paying $5.00 a gallon for gas is now past tense;

Continuing my cultivation, understanding, and appreciation of “other” cultures..ie China looks pretty good as does adventure into the Middle East, i.e., Dubai.

I think it timely, and of valid consideration to think on the topics presented here today. I know that it deviates from the topic of HOW to succeed in the arts, but as “creatives” or “intuitives,” it is essential to really listen to what you can do, personally to apply those skills in what may be a very trying future, for us as a country, the USA, subject to our current political structure. Fascinating to discover that all companies given to George Bush to run, were “run” into the ground. Seems the USA is now in that line up.

Lastly I wish to share a great little analogy to what I ask of you today…to dig deep, to allow your intuition to be enabled, and to “listen” for opportunities that might bypass the masses…

Brooks Anderson, another of my clients, and extremely fine landscape painter, just shared with me a great story from the time of the Great Depression.

One man while lined up in what seemed an endless line of those seeking employment, the man was distracted by a tapping sound he heard.

It just so happened that this man was privy to the knowledge of “morse code”

The message was, “If you can hear this message, approach Door # 3 which the man subsequently did. He found employment immediately as an interpretor of Morse Code was thus, employed.

As always, listen for opportunities, and TAKE immediate action. It may well serve your future in ways you could not have imagined.Thank you for allowing me my self indulgence today, and I wish you continued success, now and always.

Sian Lindemann

October 2008

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Balance in an Unsteady World

Force Yourself To Go Out

By Jason Alba
Career Transition Editor

This morning I did something I haven't done for over a year: I went to a big networking event downtown... one I used to go to every week, without fail.

I stopped going to this networking event, for professional job seekers, because it really was inconvenient. I had to dress up in a suit, drive about an hour (both ways), and sit through some non-networking housekeeping stuff. I spent more than four hours outside of my office. Away from my email. Away from my phone. Four hours. I thought "I could have done so much in those four hours! I'm already behind as it is!" As a job seeker I would rationalize not going to those meetings because in four hours I could find a few jobs to apply to, and maybe apply to two or three.

Four hours. It is a lot of time, if you are productive.

But magic happens in those four hours. I met a guy who was the #2 sales guy for one of the largest computer companies in the world, and will pass his resume to a specialized tech recruiter. I met professionals from various industries, who had rich relationships with people who I want to get to know better. I renewed a relationship I had let go dormant, and talked with an old friend (who has been a great JibberJobber evangelist since we first met), and got an update on what he's up to and what he's doing now. I met the people in charge of the networking event... these are people you should have a strong relationship with, since they are usually power connectors and help you know who you need to know.

I needed to get out. I needed to invest four hours in my career, and my network. And you do, too. No matter how inconvenient it is, you need to take the time to get out of the house, away from the computer, turn off your blackberry, and go meet with other people. You will find people who can help you. Listen to the 30 Second Commercials to see who worked in your industry, profession or at your target companies. Listen to others when you talk with them, and try and figure out what connections they might make for you.

More importantly, listen to what their needs are - whether they are making their pitch to the group, or one-on-one with just you, listen to them. Try and figure out who you can connect them with. When I was in my job search I wanted to give, give, give, but I felt I had nothing to give. I could not give other job seekers money, or a job, or anything with monetary value. After reading Never Eat Alone I realized I did have something I could give, something that could be priceless. You have it to. As a job seeker, a networker, you have the ability to connect Person A with Person B. YOU can be a connector, even a power connector. This is so valuable. It's more valuable than if I were to give them money, or a better resume. Even after you land your next job, continue to connect people.

But it all starts with going out. If you don't feel like it, that's okay. Still force yourself to go out. Maybe not to get, but to give. And the getting will follow.

___________________________________________________________________

Jason Alba is the CEO and creator of JibberJobber.com, and author of “I’m on LinkedIn – Now What???” After a corporate downsizing impacted Jason in 2006, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of conducting a job search. Drawing on his extensive computer software and IT experience, Jason analyzed the job search process and developed JibberJobber.com, the gold standard in career management technology.

Widely acknowledged as a leading career management evangelist, Jason continues to spread the word to job seekers through his blog, JibberJobber.com/blog. He is co-author of “I’m on Facebook – Now What???”and offers tutorials on how to fulfill the role of being CEO of You, Inc.

Jason Alba is: CEO of JibberJobber.com Author of I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? Co-author of I’m on Facebook – Now What??? Founder of CEO Training for Me Inc.

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Force Yourself To Go Out

Flying Solo

By Victor Cattermole

Asia Pacific Bureau Chief

This month I managed to tap in to the busy schedule of my good friend Robert Gerrish.

Robert’s first taste of small business was at the age of eight when he began working part-time in his father's car showroom in the east of England. Sometime later Robert moved to London joining up with a small, independent marketing and design agency. He helped the big end of town build brands and launch products. Robert says they were at what they did and it was fun.

In 1989, communication giants, Saatchi & Saatchi snapped up his company and he naively took on the role of Managing Director. While his car grew longer and pointier, his sense of freedom and creativity diminished. Before long he knew it was time for change and he simply had to fly solo.

So in 1994, armed with lashings of bravado and a sketchy vision of a brave new world, Robert ventured off in search of a better way of living and working. His quest took him to Australia where for the past 12 years he has pretty much dedicated his professional life to supporting those going it alone in business.

In this time, Robert has co-authored the Australian business bestseller, Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business with Sam Leader and has had over 160 articles published across News Limited titles, Dynamic Business, Marketing, My Business and countless regional and national newspapers, magazines and newsletters.

In addition to this success Robert has been a business commentator on ABC ‘4 Corners', Channel 9's ‘A Current Affair', ABC Radio & 2UE and a guest on Qantas ‘Radio Q'.

In 2000, Robert founded Flying Solo online (www.flyingsolo.com.au), a place where Australia's growing solo and micro business community can share experiences and build knowledge. Today Robert has over 35,000 unique visitors per month, 2000+ pages of content and publish a weekly email newsletter that goes to over 14,000 subscribers.

In his role as an advocate for all things micro Robert has been invited to speak at over 90 conferences, events and gatherings since 2003 and indeed ran his first national Flying Solo Conference in late September, attracting over 225 delegates.

Today Robert works as a coach and consultant to solo and small business owners, presents short workshops to anyone who'll listen and lives in Sydney with his amazing wife and son.

Looking forwards, along with his two business partners Robert intends to grow Flying Solo's reach still focusing on Australia for the foreseeable future and to the extent that he can continually add functionality and resources to his existing website.

Robert has been an inspiration and mentor to thousands around the world and will continue to in the future. In so many ways a hero in the field of small business as I am sure many use his amazing resource.

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Flying Solo

Networking Naturally with Belinda Fuchs

By Noelle Southwick

New England Bureau Chief
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)

When I asked her what she does, Belinda Fuchs of OwnYourMoney.com told me “I change lives and save marriages through empowering people with their money. I help people make more money, save more money and stress less about their money.”

She says, “What is neat about me is I bring a CPA with 15 years in finance and combine the practical with the inspirational.”

I would not initially have expected a CPA to refer to herself as “neat” but that is Belinda. She spreads her positive energy wherever she goes. “A lot of what I look to do through any interaction with me is to allow people a space to have fun and to feel special. I think people take their lives too seriously.” says Belinda.

It is certainly working for her. Since launching her business in December 2007 Belinda has had a whirlwind of successes. Some of her accomplishments include hosting her own cable television program, articles published in magazines including Pink & Yahoo Finance, many radio interviews, increasing her revenue 10 times over last year, and her group coaching program is half filled pre-launch.

Networking is natural for Belinda. She accredits it to being clear that the service she offers is one that people want and need.

Belinda’s advice on networking is that it is an essential skill everyone should develop. It is so important that she covers the topic in every program she offers.

It may seem obvious to cover it in an entrepreneurial class but the singles & couples classes cover networking as well. Belinda points out that many times people in jobs don’t realize until they are out of jobs that they should have been working on building their network.

I love Belinda’s energy and her enthusiasm; she has a lot of fun in her new career. She believes, “It’s not necessary to be so serious to be successful.”

Belinda recognizes that “Money can often be scary even paralyzing for people.” She believes in lightening it up, “I make taking responsibility for your money as fun, sexy and cool as irresponsibility has always been.”

Networking can be the same way for people, scary and even paralyzing. Belinda’s advice, “reframing networking makes it fun.”

A great tip to illustrate the point is what she calls hosting the party. When you go to an event pretend that it is your event.

Your approach is totally different if it’s your party instead of being there to sell something. To skeptics, Belinda says, “Just try it. You may find you are friendlier, smile more naturally versus feeling forced and “sales-y”. It actually becomes fun & you can show genuine caring for the people you meet.”

It is clear to me that Belinda is passionate about her work. She has a great sense of value in what she does and who she is and it’s reflected in how she interacts with people.

A few great points we discussed regarding her amazing success in networking:

Eternal Value. I know in my gut that I am valuable. I value myself & I trust that others will see my value. But I do not need it. Often people are searching for validation from others. I am not a victim to what people think of me. I call it Eternal Value.

Genuine Caring. I don’t just go through the motion of asking questions. I am asking because I genuinely want to know how to serve them.

Follow Up. If I go to an event I often come home with over 100 business cards. I call them or email them to stay connected. I organize my business cards. I think it’s important.

Make Notes. When I meet someone I make notes about when and where I met the person, what we talked about and any interesting facts. It helps me remember the person and the person feels remembered, it’s very powerful.

Don’t filter people. I talk to everyone, see how they are doing. My newest clients are from Canada, Texas, Nevada and Delaware and I live in Boston. I didn’t assume they did not need me.

Deliver Value. I send out tips and strategies to my list regularly.

Doubt Sabotages. I have a core belief that this is what I am meant to do in the world and I am grateful for the ability to do it. I know deep in my heart there is success here, no doubt.

Something that sets Belinda apart is what she calls being a Super Connector. She is always connecting people with the resources they need. She has a huge network and she is always looking for ways to make connects.

I felt like I finally understood some of the networking advice I have been hearing for years. It is so simple and fun for Belinda because she is clear about who she is and values her services. Looking for ways to be in service to more and more people is what she does. Interactions with this master networker make people feel special. Growing her business means continually to looking for ways to spread her insights.

Building value and self worth is at the core of Belinda’s business, OwnYourMoney.com. She says that internal value and self worth are communicated all the time and has you making your decisions if you realize it or not. If you have a strong self worth you can make clear smart moves in life. She highlights how it’s a choice and people can choose to own their money and thus own their life.

Belinda Fuchs offers seminars, group coaching, private coaching, and keynote speeches. You can sign up for Own Your Money email tips, or learn about Own Your Money Clubs which begin in October through Belinda’s website www.OwnYourMoney.com, email info@ownyourmoney.com or by phone at 617-268-0600.

“I want people to be their best whole selves in the world.”

–Belinda Fuchs, President OwnYourMoney.com

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Networking Naturally with Belinda Fuchs

TNNW, September, 2008, Week 4: A New Voice in Canada, an Airman and a "Collector of Friends"

This has been quite an eventful week as September draws to a close.

Kensel Tracy, TNNW's new Canadian Bureau Chief

First up...it's been a few months since we've heard about networking in Canada. That's about to change as Kensel Tracy, Senior Partner with the Corporate Coachworkz Inc of Ottawa, joins the TNNW family. Kensel will be keeping you informed of the best networks, the best events and the movers and shakers of "the Great White North". WELCOME KENSEL!!!

Airman and Mrs. Brandon Kovitz

Secondly...one of our closest networks is that of our family and this item and the next concern them. I have always been proud of my nephew, Brandon. Following in the tradition of many people in our family who joined the U.S. Air Force, Brandon recently received top honors from his Basic Military Training and was ranked #2 of all new graduates from the U.S. Air Force Technical School in Civil Engineering. He was also recently wedded to his long-time sweetheart, Amy on September 20th. Congrats, Brandon and Amy - keep flying high!

My Dad & I, October, 2005

On a more somber note, my long-time inspiration, friend and father, Joel H. Kovitz ended his battle with pancreatic cancer on September 22. As I've mentioned in my writings before, my father was a natural networker and problem solver. As a CPA, he earned his client's trust with his caring nature, knowledge and ability to solve whatever problems he could not, personally, through others in his network. At one of his memorial services, my sister-in-law, Regina (Brandon's mom) put it well: he was a "collector of friends". His very nature was one of the inspirations for TNNW and I take some comfort knowing that my dad lives on through my words and those of my mom, Susan, brother, Alan and sister, Cheryl. We will miss you dad...thanks for everything.

Speaking of thanks (and on a happier note), we wanted to thank our latest subscribers who have joined us this past month from CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA and WI in the U.S. as well as Canada, India, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. WELCOME ONE AND ALL!!!

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

- Adam
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TNNW, September, 2008, Week 4: A New Voice in Canada, an Airman and a "Collector of Friends"