Bridges

Edition of 11/7/2008

[Bridges]

If you would like to take advantage of a consultant or executive coach, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a complimentary coaching session or visit my website - www.coachrobinfogel.com

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As I look back over the columns I've written this past year, I notice one theme that repeatedly gets attention - networking. It is something I passionately believe in because I've seen it used so successfully by many of my clients, whether they are in a career transition or business owners looking to grow their business. While I really believe in the concept of networking I also believe some of the criticism leveled against it is also justifiable. The chief criticism stems, I think, from those business card exchanges that are fast paced but often superficial.

A recent New York Times article entitled, "That Business Card Won't Fly Here", interviewed young professionals who said they hated the term networking, to them it was awkward, stodgy, and not authentic. The article went on to describe how these same folks participated in likemind, which are monthly gatherings held in 55 cities. The gatherings were described as an opportunity to exchange ideas, job tips and contacts, and to interact with others who have a shared interest, but the article said "it's not networking"!

Whatever you call it - whether it is networking or something else, the bottom line is that the process is about establishing and then building on those relationships. It's more than exchanging business cards. Key here is to think less about yourself and focus instead on how you can help others. Who can you introduce them to? Who would be a great resource? If a colleague mentions that they are looking for a new accountant or could use an assistant, have the names of an accountant or virtual assistant in your contact files. It is the little things you do on a consistent basis that build those relationships and allows information and business to flow both ways. Networking should not be solely a business skill, it should become a lifestyle.

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For those who ask me what it is that I do, I offer Executive Coaching and Human Resource consulting in the following areas:

- Business Consulting and Executive Coaching - As an unbiased resource provide advice on staffing issues, developing emerging talent and helping managers sharpen their communication and management skills;

- Career Coaching helping people advance their careers, make career changes and/or career transitions.

- Not for Profit Consulting - provide Executive Directors with independent sounding board, consulting on staff issues, board relations and staff development.
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THANKS
November brings my favorite holiday of Thanksgiving and with it two of the things I love best - seeing my family and eating! It's also a great month for anyone with clients or customers to say thank you. Instead of waiting for the holiday rush at December, consider separating your business or company from the pack and send greetings of thanks for their business this past year.

For those of you that I've had the pleasure of working with or getting to know this past year - thank you. In my business I work with some of the most amazing folks and I truly appreciate having that opportunity. Happy Thanksgiving.

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FINAL THOUGHT
"The key question to keep asking is, are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have". - Randy Pausch

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