Posted by distinctivecoaching on June 24, 2009
Yes, that’s correct. Due to a site reconstruction, we’ve moved.
For more informative, riveting, fascinating, thrilling articles, posts and general know-how on achieving your ideal business, sales, marketing, networking, social networking, productivity, motivation and all things that go into YOUR successful business, please see:
http://www.DistinctiveCoaching.com/Blog-posts
We’ll be waiting there for you . . .
Biz Coach Jason
Posted in Business development, Business ethics, Business owner, Creativity, Entrepreneur, Events, Goal setting, Humor, Inspiration, Interviewing, Motivation, Netiquette, Networking, Phone sales, Rosarito Mexico Bike Ride, Sales, Sales Training, Social Networking, Upgrading skills, marketing | Tagged: Entrepreneur, marketing, Networking, productivity, Sales, small business, small business owner, Social Networking | Leave a Comment »
Posted by distinctivecoaching on November 22, 2008
Well… Here come the holidays, and in full force.
I don’t know about you, but my schedule is BUSY… jam-packed, full to the brim. There are networking events, association and club meetings, family gatherings, friends’ parties, Meetup’s, Facebook events, Evites… Oh my head!
This can be a very interesting time of the year for many businesses (and tough for some). So much to do and so little time, lots of running around from this meeting to that event, back to work, downtown to run errands, to the mall for presents, back to that other event that I almost forgot about…
And if you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner or sales professional, your sales might slow down as people gear up for the holidays, unless you sell reindeer feed, like my uncle in Alaska.
All this can drain your energy, cause stress and send some of us straight to “Bah, Humbug!” land. (Didn’t know that was a real place, did you?)
But, is that the kind of presence you want to have when you meet someone new at one of these many parties, networking events and meetings? Are you going to let out a cry for mercy as someone new approaches you at the eggnog bowl and tries to “pitch you” their services while grabbing a mini pizza roll?
I know the feeling. I’ve woken up late in the night and cried out for help and a break from all the holiday overload. But then I discovered the “rules” of classy, stylish and easy networking . . . and how to rule all these holiday events instead of having them rule me.
(Yep.. you knew this was going somewhere!)
Well, here are “10 Holiday Networking Tips” that I want to share with you that I’ve found helpful. They are especially useful during the holiday season to make connections that count, and they will help you keep your energy, sanity and holiday cheer. (And see below for even more direct assistance with this fun topic!)
1.) Make a good first impression
It counts OH SO MUCH!
2.) Be polite, respectful & honest
This is how you want to be treated, right?
3.) Maintain a “giving” mindset
Just like the holidays, successful networking is all about giving. It should be easy to remember this time of year, but it’s an important mindset to have all year round.
4.) Ask for their contact info
So you’ll be able to get in touch with them if you are interested in talking further.
5.) Don’t “sell” without permission
If you’re turned off by someone launches into a 5-minute sales presentation about their awesome pens that write underwater, in the dark and without gravity, don’t assume others are dying to hear about your slick wheel bearings, even if you KNOW that’s exactly what they need. This is a very important step – maybe the most important of all. You do want to tell people what you do, but in a classy, stylish way that gets their attention… (See below for more about this one)
6.) Avoid opening with “So, what do you do?”
It can kill rapport building before it begins and can condemn the interaction to being nothing more than boring, robotic and mindless chatter without exchanging the truly important information. If you open your conversations this way, you can miss an important opportunity to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
7.) Don’t rely on them to contact you
Just because they said they were thrilled to have met you and learned about your slick wheel bearings, doesn’t mean they will really call you. They may have intended to at the time, but life happens and no one is perfect. So get their info so you can ensure the follow up.
8.) Always carry pen, paper & business cards
You never know when a great opportunity might present itself. Yes, even while you’re fighting for that last “Cosmic Raymond” action figure.
9.) Do not get out of a conversation by dumping them on someone else
Making another person suffer is no way to get a good reputation during the holidays. Kindly excuse yourself, tell them you need another drink, see someone you need to speak with, or even that you have to “go” really bad! And don’t get caught lying as that will kill all of your credibility really fast.
10.) Enjoy yourself!
Relax and have fun! When you’re smiling and enjoying yourself, you are more likable to others, and this can lead to a lot of business. Be kind, considerate and magnetic!
SO… I hope these “10 Holiday Networking Tips” help you as you network your way through all the parties this season.
If you would like learn EXACTLY how to use these to transform your networking and social events into a Business Boosting Bonanza - especially how to get great leads quickly without “selling” (number 5 above), being manipulative or dishonest, please sign up for next week’s
* * * FREE TELECLASS : http://NetworkingTheHolidays.eventbrite.com
“Network Your Way through the Holidays – With style, class and ease!”
This is going to be a very exciting session. This is one of my favorite topics, and I promise to show you how to use networking properly to send you business skyrocketing!
And there will be some INCREDIBLE FREE BONUSES given to attendees that you won’t want to miss. These will help you get ready for a blockbuster 2009, even in this challenging economy!
http://NetworkingTheHolidays.eventbrite.com
Lastly… If you’re in Chicago, check out the “FUN with REP” networking event on Dec 9 to put these techniques into practice. This is going to be a really fun networking and social event. A great way to gear up for the holidays!
In the meantime, I want to wish a very happy holiday season to you, your family, your business, and most of all your networking spirit!
All the best,
Jason
P.S. Speaking of networking and creating a blockbuster 2009, check out the Facebook business group that will help you do both: Achieve Your Ideal Business Community.
And don’t forget to register for “Network Your Way through the Holidays” http://NetworkingTheHolidays.eventbrite.com to get the Free audio recording of the class as well as the Special Free Bonuses!
Jason E. Rosado
Business Coach
Helping self-directed and self-managed professionals achieve your ideal business in 12 months or less.
Want to get started? Sign up for your FREE “Business Success E-Series”!
773.829.1276
Jason@DistinctiveCoaching.com
Website: http://www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BizCoachJason
Facebook: http://profile.to/BizCoachJason
Posted in Business development, Business ethics, Business owner, Entrepreneur, Events, Networking, Sales | 1 Comment »
Posted by distinctivecoaching on October 31, 2008
Listen in to the 10/30/08 show. In this spirited conversation, I was interviewed by Jackie Rogers of The Kitchen Table Entrepreneur about gaining clarity, vision and growth in your business through coaching: http://snipurl.com/BizCoachJasonVoiceAm
Topics: The importance of gaining vision and clarity for success; How to build a networking, marketing and sales mindset; How to grow your business using coaching; What to look for in a great coach; The core areas that coaching can help your business; and much more . . .
We had a very lively discussion. I hope you enjoy it!
All the best,
Jason
P.S. My blog can now be accessed and viewed on Facebook! See http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blogpage.php?blogid=69071
Website: http://www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BizCoachJason
Facebook: http://profile.to/BizCoachJason
Posted in Business development, Business ethics, Business owner, Entrepreneur, Goal setting, Motivation, Networking, Sales, Upgrading skills | Leave a Comment »
Posted by distinctivecoaching on October 9, 2008
Dear fellow Entrepreneurs, Sales Professionals and Small Business Owners,
I know that this economic climate isn’t the easiest for you to make it big. At least, not at first glance. You see…
As an established business growth professional with a proven track record of helping people like you, I want to offer some free information that will help you to:
“Achieve Your Ideal Business in 12 Months or Less!”
If you want to:
Just follow the link and access www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com to sign up for your Free Business Success E-Series!
If you are like most small business professionals that I know and have helped, you will find this information direct, easy to understand and implement! And there is no better time. This is VERY valuable – especially right now!
I hope to meet you out there soon and hear about your company, product or service taking off! But in the meantime, let’s get to know each other. Just visit www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com and sign up for this free, quality insight into how to be able to really step up your game and your business.
All the best,
Jason Rosado
773.829.1276
www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com
P.S. Don’t let this opportunity slip away! Take 20 seconds and sign up now. You’ll be glad you did!
Posted in Business development, Business owner, Entrepreneur, Goal setting, Inspiration, Motivation, Sales | Leave a Comment »
Posted by distinctivecoaching on October 7, 2008
With all the people I have been connecting with lately (especially high school classmates) that have been asking what I’ve been up to over the past 18 years, here it is.
Last 18 years.. Ok, here it goes:
Music (trombone & baritone horn, teach brass lessons, D&B Corps conductor), started school (University of Illinois), bars, left school, travel, work (Opened a restaurant), work out, bars, closed a restaurant, music (University of Illinois - Chicago Jazz Band – trombone), finished school (UIC), travel, work (Service Rep, Training & Manager), moved to Lakeview (Chicago IL), running, work out, bars, volleyball, tennis, work (Training Manager), travel, engaged (in Paris), bars, work, travel, married (in Chicago), volleyball, bought house in Berwyn IL, travel, work (Microsoft Product Trainer), bicycle, networking, volleyball, opened own business (www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com), tennis, networking, bicycle, travel, networking, joined Facebook, wrote on a few ”walls” today. And I might eat lunch soon.
There are a few small details I may have left out somewhere in there.
What are your updates?
Posted in Business owner, Entrepreneur, Networking, Upgrading skills | Leave a Comment »
Posted by distinctivecoaching on June 11, 2008
“Strengthening Your Success”
I grew up a shy, introverted kid lacking self-
confidence in social areas, and not surprisingly,
I was terrified of speaking in front of people.
I vividly remember a five minute monologue
that I had to memorize and recite during 7th
grade English class. (If I ever come across
Mrs. Mitchell, I would still like to ask her what
the point of that was.)
The fact that everyone else in the class also
had to also perform a scene didn’t help calm
me down. I remember almost hyperventilating
to get the words out. My stomach got queasy.
My face was flushed. My temperature rose, and
panic started to set in. I felt very exposed,
nervous and vulnerable as I struggled recalling
the right words, getting them out in the right
order, and trying hard NOT to think about the
twenty other kids in the room with their eyes
piercing right through me as I went on…
I don’t recall exactly, but I probably earned
about a “C+” on the assignment.
So where does that leave me now?
Well, ironically I ended up creating a career
and now a business with public speaking as an
integral component. And I actually love what I do,
including delivering training sessions, providing
workshops and being a guest speaker to audiences
sometimes as large as 200 people.
Who would have thought? Not me. And
probably not Mrs. Mitchell.
What are your weaknesses?
If I were to ask you to write down your top three
weaknesses, it probably wouldn’t take you too
long to do it. However, if I asked you to write
down your top three strengths, I bet it would be
more difficult.
What are the differences between strengths
and weaknesses?
Most people would answer “Strengths are what
I do well, and weaknesses are what I do poorly.”
That’s pretty straightforward and makes a lot of
sense. But I believe that truly successful people
might instead answer, “Strengths are what I do
well and weaknesses are what others do well,
or what I overcome with my strengths.”
So, how important are strengths?
For you basketball fans, did Michael Jordan
become the best basketball player ever and
lead the Bulls to six championships by working
hard on his assists and rebounding? No, he
had other teammates to take care of those
parts of the game. He concentrated on his
shooting. He constantly worked to improve his
area of strength and went from good to great.
One of the easiest ways to overcome or
get around your weaknesses is to use
your strengths.
For me, public speaking was definitely a
weakness. But teaching and helping others
were strengths. So was leadership. When I
developed and combined those three strengths,
the outcome was a good foundation for public
speaking. Then all I was lacking was
confidence and practice.
Another option would have been to find other
ways to get the job done without the need to
speak in front of large groups. For example, I
could have done only one-on-one or small
group training. In order to “delete” the need to
use a weakness, determine other methods of
achieving the same end results. If you want to
build your business but aren’t good at writing
articles, you can host group discussions on the
topic instead. There are almost always other
options if you take the time to find them.
Another example of my stage fright, dread
and quick thinking…
When I was organizing an event in college (and
still inexperienced at public speaking), I was
scared to death when I found out at the spur of
the moment that I had to give a one-minute
welcome speech that I hadn’t prepared for, to
the room of 50 adult and student attendees.
So I made a split second decision and
delegated it to someone else right at that
moment. I was using my leadership and
relationship strengths to get out of having to
use a weakness.
How do you find out what your strengths are?
Start by making a list of activities you enjoy.
Most often we are good at what we enjoy, and we
enjoy what we’re good at. I enjoy teaching and
helping others. I have found ways to do this
through my business and volunteer activities:
coaching, networking, guest speaking, delivering
workshops and writing articles.
Is there one thing you do each week that you
really enjoy? What do you like to do to relax?
And one of my favorites: If you could go back to
kindergarten instead of working for a paycheck,
what kinds of activities would you do most days?
What subjects did you excel in early in school?
Why? Was it the subject itself that was a strength
for you, or was it the skills you used that helped
you enjoy and be good at it?
Ask similar questions to those that know you
well – your friends and family: “What do you see
as my unique strengths?” Some good follow
up questions might be, “What kind of problems
have you seen me best helping others with?”
“When do you think I’m at my best?” “In what
kinds of situations?” “Why do you think that?”
You can also take a strength or interest
inventory assessment. There are many out
there, some are quite expensive and others are
free or reasonable. It’s been my experience
that the free ones often provide more general
findings, so you may want to seek help in
reviewing the results.
Whatever your method of evaluation, I highly
recommend making the effort. Reflect on how
your strengths and weaknesses impact your
overall business strategy as well as your daily
effectiveness.
Assess if you are losing time and energy by
trying to use a weakness as an important piece
of your plan, and if you are maximizing and
leveraging your strengths.
Then tweak your action plan accordingly to take
full advantage of your strengths.
You’ll get a lot more done, have better results,
and enjoy the process a whole lot more.
Here’s to your strengths and your success!
All the best,
Jason
Jason E. Rosado
Posted in Business development, Business owner, Entrepreneur, Goal setting, Inspiration, Motivation, Sales, Upgrading skills | 4 Comments »
Posted by distinctivecoaching on April 30, 2008
A question for you…
Actually, I have a few questions for you:
What’s the best thing that could happen to you
right now? What would happen if you doubled
your sales? What if you got twice as much
done in your day? What would it be like if all
your business and personal relationships were
effortless? What could you do to make your
business thrive?
Ask yourself: Are you asking enough
questions every day?
For most of us, the answer is ‘no.’ Let’s take a
look at why…
To start, what do all those above questions
have in common? Obviously they are all
questions. Nothing shocking there.
They are completely open-ended questions.
They don’t look for a “yes” or a “no” but instead
for some original thought in the answer.
They don’t communicate judgment or bias
towards the pending answers. Also, they don’t
imply an expectation of specific answers.
Therefore, because they are “opinion neutral”
and open-ended, they empower the person
being asked to come up with their own original
answer, leading to creative thinking, new ideas
and better results.
Finally, they all start with the word “what”. As
we all learned in school, questions can start
with many different words, and we’ve been
taught to mix it up. But the questions above,
and many powerful others that can change our
business, relationships and spur success,
typically start with the word “what”. What’s
behind that?
“What’s with the ‘what’?”
Changing your asking habits is not easy.
Questions that start with “why” are the ones
that usually pop into our heads. They are
shorter and often seem more to the point. In
our world, we value brevity and directness.
Time is valuable, so we like quick thinking and
quick acting. But “why” questions are often
leading, negatively charged or rhetorical, all of
which negate the point of asking.
“Why did you do that?”
This is a common one for all of us. Often it
means you did something wrong, and it may
sound more like a statement than a question.
Consider a common scenario, such as a
manager looking for feedback from an
employee on something the employee wrote.
“Why did you write it like that?”
This question from a manager can make an
employee worry about coming up with the
“right” answer or feel they have to justify their
work. But it’s possible the manager was just
curious about the choice of words, and not
intending to communicate an opinion or a
judgment. A great alternative question might
be: “What were you hoping the reader would
take away from that wording?”
This gets to the underlying issue.
This question digs deeper to what the manager
really wants, which is to determine the possible
result of the work, not the emotional reasoning
of the employee when they wrote it. It gets to
the real issue faster and in a more supportive
way, which in turn empowers the employee and
further builds the relationship between manager
and employee. Sounds like a useful concept to
have in a business, doesn’t it?
You might even use a “what” question to follow
up a question that you were asked:
“Should I go ahead and run the program?”
Instead of saying, “No, I don’t think you’re
ready,” how about trying any of the following:
“What are some of the alternatives?”
“What would be the outcome if you waited?”
“What’s a possible benefit to doing it next
week?”
And the answers you get back may actually
give you feedback that you really hadn’t
considered, taking things in a completely new
direction. Improving the decision-making
process, encouraging team work, and having
better results would just be side effects.
The Challenge…
The next article I send will be how to
incorporate these ideas to supercharge your
networking and sales…
But before I send that out, I would like to ask
you to challenge yourself:
Track your progress on asking ten “what”
questions for the next three days to clients,
co-workers, family members, etc., when your
first instinct is to either give feedback or ask
a “why” question.
See how their reactions are different from the
ones you have come to expect. And also note
how the path forward unfolds from that interaction
and what positives changes occur both immediately
and long-term.
So, you now you have it — ask more questions!
Open-ended questions. Questions that start
with “what.” And let’s hear what happens.
Talk to you later!
Posted in Business development, Business owner, Entrepreneur, Motivation, Networking, Sales, Upgrading skills | Leave a Comment »
