OK, networking is supposed to be about interpersonal communication. But with the new social media tools (why don’t we call these what they are–new media tools?) at our disposal, we need to embrace them and realize that personal communication has to start somewhere.

Given that, I found these five reasons to use Twitter in a commentary in today’s “Points” section of the Dallas Morning News. In David Carr’s piece I found some nuggets we need to consider because Twitter– Read More...

Linda Armstrong Kelly (Lance’s mom) tells the story of how she overcame the odds she and Lance were up against in their lives. Most of us know about both of their battles against cancer and her overcoming being a single, teenaged mom.

But she told a story today at a NDCC speaking engagement that surprised me–and reinforced one of my eprsonal “10 Guidelines”–always carry a business card. Read More...

Recently, my friend and colleague, Rob Brown, emerged from a long time of underemployment. Upon surfacing with his new company, Rob wrote one of the best thank you notes I’ve ever read. The thank you note itself would have been a great posting, but its content was even better and Rob’s advice in it applies not just to job seekers, but to those seeking business and connections.

Rob had a number of tips and notes, but the critical ones also apply to those of us seeking to build relationships and business.  The list looked like this: Read More...

In this season of giving, we really should all look hard at what we do to share and make the lives of others better. As networkers, we work hard to make our businesses successful by reaching out to others to make connections. But what if we channeled that expertise to something a bit more charitable?

Reading the “Point After” page in the December 28 issue of Sports Illustrated inspired me. In Selena Roberts’ column, she writes about pro athlete Jeremy Bloom and his start-up foundation, Wish of a Lifetime (www.si.com). Jeremy created this foundation to support the wishes of the elderly poor. Inspired by the selflessness of his own grandparents, Jeremy helps elderly poor people realize dreams they could never realize by themselves. Read More...

At a recent speaking engagement at the Tower Club, I met a custom clothier.

Dustin Donley works independently and after my presentation he gave me a few tips to help my speaking style. Among his ideas: Read More...

As you start your day, consider the things you need to accomplish and otherwise get to during the day. There is a simple list so that you can be assured of having a sense of accomplishment at the end of this day.

It’s a simple list and those of you who know me, know I like to think in threes. So here goes: Read More...

Here is a great story on managing one’s personal brand–the correct way.

Using her instincts, relying on manners and her feelings of what is right, Oprah Winfrey has done just that. Managed her brand carefully and thoughtfully. While I’m not historically a big fan of Ms. Winfrey, what she has done over the years and recently speaks volumes to those of us in search of a way to manage our personal brand. Read More...

One guideline to effective networking is knowing how to dress for occasions.

While we may joke about what to wear when, it is extremely important as first impressions are lasting ones. Read More...

While you can put a dollar value on just about anything in today’s world, the value of your reputation and your brand is one thing that can’t be bought or sold without you having something to say about it. Or at least it shouldn’t.

You control who you are are and work hard at how you are perceived by those around you–or within your network. In today’s instant social media world, we can do little to control our brand and reputation, but we can certainly manage it. And we should do all that we can to do just that. Read More...

National sports talk radio normally isn’t a source of information about networking. However, this past week, Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio’s “The Herd” radio show, brought up something that all networkers and those wanting to succeed need to have and practice.

Discipline. Read More...