What are you bringing with you into 2013?

Yeah it is already 2013 – but we have a long way before it is over. Thank Goodness!

When you look back on it, in 2014, what do you want to see?

In the video below I share something I find very exciting – genuinely!

Is this how you want to start?

Now the reason I share this is I Love how it feels.

Giving, Connection, Sharing and Playing with others.

Yes that is what 2013 will look like when I look back.

A Year of Paying-It-Forward, Creatively.

Thank You to Michael Drew co-author of Pendulum In Action for sharing it.  It found me.

At the time of writing this – it was page 4 of the 365 pages I’m writing in the Book “My 2013″.

So far I really like this book – the theme “playing with interconnectedness.”

2012 was a Great sampling year for me.  Maybe it was for you also.

I tried new things – all the way from foods to people.

I’ve picked various things and people that get to accompany me through out 2013. Those that add quality to my life.

I did the smile test. Yes, that simple – if it makes me smile – I’m keeping it – to some degree.

What are you bringing with you into 2013?

I invite you to come, play and share. Enjoy 2013!!!

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Social Media changing lives

 

English: Graph of social media activities

English: Graph of social media activities (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We all have a story about how social media has changed our lives.

Facebook friend, Koos de Jongh, that I would not know if it were not for social media, posted this question:

What has social media brought you in 2012?

For some it’s day to day connection and a way to meet people we would not have otherwise.

When I asked Koos for his permission to include his name in this blog, he was grateful that I had asked. My heart opened wider when I continued to read his words.

“…..you are one of the persons I trust although we know each other only from FB.”

As you reflect on 2012

and decide what to take with you into 2013

consider these stories.

Streakers Love Story
How LinkedIn changed my life in one year
How a Tweet became $1 Million

Quit Social Media

In the Video below

Richard Branson shares his highlights of 2012

and comments their Social Media Campaigns

(Caution -language not appropriate for all viewers)

Various Versions of Auld Lang Syne found here

Happy New Year!

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Getting Past the Introduction

Whether you are introducing yourself or getting an introduction… The Rules are the same.

Keep it in context.

Lead with the topic everyone knows about – them.  You are the audience.

Listen.

The words of Jeff Haden “The best connections never come from speaking; the best connections always come from listening.”

Relationships go through stages.

According to Michael Drew Co-Author of Pendulum: In Action with Roy H. Williams

the stages are the”12 Steps of Intimacy” and they apply to personal and business relationships. Yes there is a System to Building Relationships.

Just like kissing on the first date can make or break a relationship – missing a step in building the relationship, may have you back at the introduction (if you’re lucky).

Know the steps and why they are important, today, in your marketing.

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Where Business Begins

I recently sat down for dinner with a friend.  As we were catching up, we got on the topic of Business.  One of my favourite subjects :) .

As it turns out they were looking at starting a business. Through the conversation I learned that the business idea was sound and that this individual had tonnes of passion behind this new venture. What is fabulous is that they are also coming from a place of heart – they truly wish to help others.  Earning money doing that would be a perk.

A great idea, backed by passion and a heart in the right place, while they definitely help are not where business begins.

Business begins and ends with people. It’s about your relationships.

Upon starting a new business – who do you tell first?? I would say Family and Close Friends.  Being an Entrepreneur can be lonely at times, you’ll need a support group.

Who are the 10 people you would put in that group?  Ask them for their help.

Do I feel honoured to have heard about this new venture, my friend sharing it with me over dinner?

They have bigger dreams and I get to be included.  YOU BET I DO!

Now as exciting as this can be – it can also be terrifying.  Where to begin?

I recommend you begin with those you chose to share with, first.  Your Close Friends and Family. The 10 people you have decided that you can ask for help.

On average an individual has over 600 ties to people and of those ties approx. 200 are Facebook Friends.
*The average number of Facebook friends was recently report as 229.

So when it comes to business – especially launching a new venture it makes sense to get the word out via your top 10 support network first.

Once the word it out – it’s time to keep track of connections and communication. For the purpose of developing those connections into relationships, seeing the opportunities for engagement, nurturing your networks and knowing how these are progressing.

This system is the most important one in your business. For this use Nimble. Try it Free.

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Looking for Work? Social Media is where the Jobs are.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius

This quotation is the basis behind Entrepreneurship.  The majority of Entrepreneurs decided that they wanted to do what they Love and created it. Even being resourceful, insightful, innovative creatures some times the bootstrapping results in revisiting employment.

Employee and Entrepreneur Mindsets are Different

Click here to find out how Employee vs. Entrepreneur

Being an Entrepreneur is not easy. Many have admitted that they did not test the water – before diving in.

If you are not an Entrepreneur already and you are considering it, Caution it can get HOT!

If you are an Entrepreneur you may already know how this feels under your collar. You may even be reconsidering your decision or seeking temporary employment.

What you need to know

#1 YOU ARE NOT ALONE

#2 Searching for work has changed

#3 There’s Help!

Before you throw in the towel here are some Business Resources.

Know the Business Systems You Need – What Most Business Owners Don’t know

Before You Quit Your Job

It’s All About Relationships

If you are jumping back in the Employee Pool, here are some Employment resources

to make the swim easier.

#1 Resume - I want my resume on top – Please! 

#2 Find companies that are hiring – they are online.

#3 Apply - Employment Sources for Calgary, Alberta Canada

#4 Connect within 72 Hours.

#5 Keep Track-  Use a System to record the Who, What, When, Where and How’s that goes on with each company.

#6 Prepare for the interview

Source: Pinterest

The above infographic is also helpful information for business meetings.

Remember – talk to your friends and family. Let them know what you are going through and looking for. We all need Support!

Plus the Pool is A Lot more Fun – when there are other People in it

TO PLAY WITH!

                            10 Worst Jobs
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Hidden Marketing Messages

 

 

Marketing – creating, communicating and offering – processes. Creating Value and Building Stronger Relationships.

Toxic Marketing Messages…..

Ever read a piece of marketing copy that was belittling, highlighted all the things you do wrong or had you looking up words?

Here is some of what has come my way recently

  • Is your Marketing Condescending?
  • Are you Smart Enough to Realize?
  • You won’t act on this offer because….?
  • Mistakes you are making….
  • You failed to….

WOW! I STOPPED reading.

So much for – getting the message to this reader.

Words lead to reactions. We are Human. Some words trigger pain.

Rather than creating pain or belittling someone – get to know them.

There are ways to show your knowledge and passion with out patronizing, belittling others and being toxic.

Even Big Companies do it. Check out this Article.

How about trying something new….

Ask a Question, Create Conversation and then Engage.

Being Humble – rely on another’s knowledge and ability and learn something new. We all know a great deal.

Be assertive but don’t bite – you can make your points, respecting the views of others.

Be Firm and Kind – try compassion – we all have struggles, doubts and are great at seeing them. Kindness – we are all Human.

Empower others – Highlight their strengths.

The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process,” said Barbara Coloroso

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

How About – Relationship Marketing

 

Are you connecting?

Are you everywhere online?
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+

Does it Look like this?




SystemsGirl | Promote Your Page Too

Jennifer Palmer Cockton | Create Your Badge

Are you signing in to each one daily to tweet, post and reply?

Oh Yes then there is email.

Trying to keep up with everything is exhausting.

You may have even tried Hootsuite or TweetDeck to track the conversations.

Used Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule tweets and share your links on all the other sites.

Now if you have a business and you are marketing your solutions – well, likely you are not.

You are trying to but  spending so much time on social media means you are left with very little time to “Do What You Love.”

Your Business is your Passion. Let’s get back to it- shall we?

The Ultimate Social Listening Tool is going to be your new best friend.

Why?  Because you can now listen and engage on a whole new level.

Those of you with Teams and Business Partnerships – will LOVE IT!

Want to know what others say first before having a look?

Tabitha Davis of TeenbizDynamics “WOW!!! Really amazing!! I never thought of something like that, where you can bring all of your contacts to one place..very unique!”

There is no risk – there is a 30-day free trial for business owners and the Individual Version is Free.

Watch Videos about the product and it’s founder.

Welcome to Online Connection Simplified.