Networking Makes Business Work

In business there are many areas that require knowledge and know-how to help you attain those greater obstacles. One of these integral parts of the business world is networking or joining two or more individuals/companies to assist one-another. While doing some research I came upon a few tips by Stephanie Speisman that may be helpful:


1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

5. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.

7. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.

9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

For more helpful business hints visit
http://www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm

Get the Meeting Moving and Keep it Moving
LHCM is all bout balancing the body and mind, keeping the body strong and the mind sharp, and fitting exercise into busy schedules can be quite a challenge. Why not mix your meetings and get exercise at the same time? Most meetings tend to be a waste of time why not do something that is known to be beneficial,exercise. If you are meeting with a small group, get moving. Take a walk aroudn the office and discuss your issues. Your blood will be flowing and you'll feel more up to the challenge, your brain will be awake and responsive, and you may actually accomplish something during the meeting.CEO's and politicians are often forced to have such mobile meetings but why not embrace the opportunity and encourage effective meetings by keeping them moving an active. Have you ever seen the cast of the West Wing sitting down talking to the president, those times are few and far between and half the episodes are shot with the president walking down a hall with people following him. This method will keep the briefs brief, and focus on getting to the heart of the matter.

Meeting Methods that your body and your Doctor Would Appreciate:

1. Take the stairs between floors
Stairs are not only a but kicking cardio workout, they can be a vital part of a persons day. No one will waste time in a meeting if they are forced to climb stairs, it will be focused and to the point.

2. Walk to the coffee shop
Chances are you'll be taking a trip there anyway as will half the employees in the office why not do it together and walk it.

3.Walk through the town
If you are stumped with a problem, where do the solutions tend to hit you, locked away behind a desk and computer or out in the world doing other things. Take your problem solving meetings on the road, inspiration tends to hit those who are active. Keep your employees moving.


4. On The Ball Meetings
A big problem during meetings is attentiveness and keeping those involved participating. A good way to avoid this is to keep them active instead of chairs use the giant exercise balls, they force you to hold your balance, stay centered, and be actively involved.


5. Important Meeting- Park Far Away
If you ever had to go to a career changing meeting and parked right next to the building, chances are you were still nervous when you got to the meeting. Park far away and give yourself a 5-10 minute walk to prepare yourself, you will find that your mind and body will relax and you will feel refreshed. While your walking, remind yourself that you are a success, you have a great product or solution, and all the other reasons why you are prepared and ready for action.

6. Go Crazy! Rent one of These for a Meeting!
Change is good, it lightens and breaks up our normal lives. If your company needs a change chances are you and your employees need one too. Crazy ideas can revitalize creativity and restore inspiration in the workplace.

Interview With Allen Warren














Projects of Interest:
Revitalizing the Del Paso Heights area and transforming it into a Technology Hub. This is one of his main personal and professional goals.

Lunch Hour Career Moves is about inspiring, informing and educating the masses in the world of the ambitious entrepenuer, the world of business communication and networking, a world of opportunity that can change a person's life in a single meeting. The purpose of these discussions is to gather the wisdom and advice of the business and political leaders of our time.

Having a Moment with Mr. Warren
Allen Warren is the President and CEO of New Faze Development, an infill real estate development company. We sat down with Mr. Allen Warren and gained not only wisdom, and great advice, but also an opportunity to help make a local community better. Allen is not only a visionary leader but a very mindful and balanced individual. Allen believes in legacy, and wants to be remembered by his community, his, children and their children to come by his contributions to their lives and the community around them.

Allen played professional Baseball for the Yankees and later became a stock broker where he noticed that real estate was a part of everyone's portfolio.

Community and Leadership
Allen believes that a lack of leadership is a big problem in the community and the community needs to come together to break the stigmas about the Del Paso area in order to bring new people, new businesses, and growth to the community.

Overcoming Obstacles
When asked about the obstacles he faced, Allen spoke of the obstacles of running a successful business and overcoming stereotypes as an African American and a person. "If you're a person of color, you have to show that you are more than a stereo type." No matter who you are, you will face challenges building a business.

His Advice

Focus on the Quality of Life and Longevity
Allen's values focus deeply on the quality of life and doing things to increase the longevity of life. He is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Del Paso Heights area. He also added that focusing on having substance adds to QOL.

Mind and Body in Balance
Studies agree, those who train their body are often successful in their careers as well.
Allen commented on how he works hard to keep things in balance and stay in shape. He keeps mind, body and spirit active.

Finding Desire
Find something you like to do and making money doing it is the greatest thing you can do as an adult. He wanted to retire at age 30 and now at 40 years old he continues working because it is what he loves. "You can't be afraid to try something new"

Set Lofty Goals
You only have so much time so you have to get as much done as you can. Allen spoke of not achieving half the goals he has set for himself, but aiming high and pursuing those goals and earning the level of success he has reached.

Becoming an Entrepenuer- Pursuit of The Big Chair.
As an Entrepreneur and CEO you must always be listening and formulating possible solutions to problems and be effective at it. Listening to subtle details, analyzing every part of what is said and making informed decisions that will benefit your business.

Grasp Opportunity before someone else does.

More on Wal-Mart: How it Could Restore the Nation
If Wal-Mart stepped up to the plate, took the Lunch Hour Career Mover's approach and focused on creating a work force of knowledgeable, happy(better-pay) healthier (better health benefits) dependable people; it could change the nation for the better. Educating their employees on retail statistics, product and general how-to knowledge, in the form of a weekly report or daily session, paying them extra for their new found expertise and the health care-package to back it up could dramatically improve its image, drawing people back to the store, and elevating the standard of living for entire the nation.With Wal-Mart changing its employees into an expert work force other retailers will half to comply to compete. Wal-Mart says it's all about home values, well, let's see them put their money where their smiley face is and put it to the test.

Wal-Mart bettering Itself: A Revolutionary Idea
Imagine walking into a Wal-Mart where the staff is friendly and helpful and job oriented. Not only do they help you find what they are looking for, but they can give you facts and figures, including most popular selling items, and useful statistics about the item that isn't on the label , like detergent is safe for the envronment, how long the rubber made container will hold together, what the most popular design elements to use in a bathroom, etc.

The Procedure
I can think of a million different ways to educate the employees on statistics and details about the industry, but just think a hi-tech Internet delivered, corporate filtered form of information or an application for Internet devices at Wal-Mart for customers and employees. First they would have initial training on the basic reoccurring things and facts and information that is useful to the customer regardless of what store they are in for the store or their department. Then when they are stocking shelves, straightening and facing items and they are asked a question, they can provide meaningful answers and recommendations to the customer.

In order to make up for the cost of training and on going employee education solution (the higher cost of reasonable wages and health care costs they can swallow-as they deserve to do so as a responsible corporate entity) They can launch a huge marketing campaign where they simply brag about their new methods and Raise the Prices just a little bit for the customer.

The Cost
Initially it would cost Millions, billions they would claim I'm sure, they would probably ask for government assistance rather than pay out of their own packed pockets. It is true that it would cost money, but Wal- Mart is notorious for finding ways to stream line processes, why not stream line employee education?

The Results
If It is in the name of restoring opportunity to America, I and everyone else (I'm sure many would agree), would gladly pay a little extra for those imported Chinese goods and do my part. This would be a more direct method at least for how taxpayers subsidize Wal-Mart employees anyway. We would be just going back to the way things are normally done; there would be no price difference in long run. No one has time to comparison shop, and once they are in the store Wal- Mart knows the probability of them buying something is almost a guarantee. They won't stop shopping at Wal-Mart, no matter how hard we ask or how much we pay them. America is addicted to Wal-Mart. After being the retail monster, I think people would get behind a company that is interested in doing this to restore the nation.


The employees would have an employable skill that could make them a manager in any other retail chain, they would be able to buy medicine for their children, afford to live for a change and bringing up their spending power (which a large chunk makes it back into Wal-Mart anyway).

The disgruntled Nation including former customers and ex employees would come back to shop at a retailer that looks to improve the country (patriotic) in stores where their employees give them piece of mind as well. This would dramatically improve Wal-Marts image. This type of marketing could give Wal-Mart an edge over eco-friendly IKEA and certainly drive a nail in the head of the old ways of the retail industry. Bye-bye old school, hello innovation! Everyone looks up to Wal Mart. They set the standards, and everyone would have to follow in its wake in order to stay afloat. The other retailers would follow suit and suddenly we have a working class of experts with a little spare change in their pockets and a class of even smarter consumers. What happens when you have loose change, wisdom and piece of mind? Innovation and that is what LHCM is all about- motivating you to innovate.

LHCM Pledge
Here at LHCM, we are not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk, that is why we vow to carry a proposal on the specifics of this type of operation to the ears of all the major retailers. We will pitch our proposal and make sure it does not fall on deaf ears.

What is an LHCMer?

Career Making Mentality

A Lunch Hour Career Mover is you raised to your Nth potential. An LHCMer is someone who takes the red pill approach and comes to complete realization about their infinite potential and is limited only by the power of their own thoughts. An LHCMer is constantly pursuing to improve their mind and body. An LHCMer is a person who believes the most adaptable and flexible solution is usually best. An LHCMer is a person who identifies most with water, and makes decisions that are the most liquid; always flowing and ever ready to change. An LHCMer is a person whose actions can be hard and cold like ice when need be, flowing with great force around obstacles, overwhelming them only when they are left with little choice, and actions that are open and embracing like a gentle mist; always calm and ready for change.

Believe

Desire

Build

Focus

Commit

Contribute

Pursue

Repeat

A Lunch Hour Career Mover is someone who:

Desires

An LHCMer desires more out of life than a 9 to 5 low income job, wants to build a career.

An LHCMer has career goals that he/she is excited about and desires to accomplish those goals.

Believes
An LHCMer believes that regardless of status, ethnicity, or current employment situation, that they can build the career of their dreams by building the skills and social networks they need to make it happen all within the convenience of their lunch hour.
An LHCMer believes the world is what they make of it: believes in control of one's destiny.
An LHCMer believes that it does not take huge risks and millions of dollars to build the career of their dreams.

Builds
An LHCMer Builds or strengthens networks in their spare time, establishing lasting relationships with their contacts.

Focuses
An LHCMer focuses on making changes that have exponential effects

Commits
An LHCMer is willing to change many aspects of current lifestyle to accomplish goals and is committed to making the changes happen.

Contributes
An LHCMer Contributes to local community through participation,effort, and honesty.
An LHCMer stays involved with local and worldly issues.

Pursues
An LHCMer Pursues to better themselves through education and perseverance.

Rinse and Repeat

Schmoozing Opportunities: Park Events

Park events provide an opportunity to meet people in a fun and relaxing environment. Here is a brief schedule for some local park events coming up this year:

Saturday, June 3th
Funkengruven at McKinley Park
East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Silent Auction

Saturday, June 10th
Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads at Glen Hall Park

Saturday, June 17th
Bill Rase Orchestra at Bertha Henschel Park
ESIA Sydney Pope & Onion Awards

Screen on the Green

Saturday, August 5th
East Portal Park -
"Remember the Titans"

Saturday, August 12th
Grant Park - "Shark Tale"

Saturday, August 19th
Babcock Park -
"Back to the Future"

Saturday, August 26th
Glen Hall Park - "Parent Trap"
(original film with Hayley Mills)

Entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m.

HOTLINE - 916-808-5240

Schmoozing Activities: Golf

Lunch Hour Career Moves is Planning a Golf Event

I personally have never played a round on a golf course that wasn’t full of miniature models and clowns and most of LHCM staff share my inexperience with the world of golf. However, there is an entire science to the game and obviously takes skill to play. More importantly, golf courses are notorious for business deals and opportunities. On the golf course I am told that there is an entire etiquette to the game of golf and that businesses may judge you purely on these concepts. So LHCM is organizing a golf event and we plan to have some experienced golfers and adequate medical staff on hand to assist us in the world of golf. We will be focused on learning the etiquette of the game and the rules that govern it. Skill on the course is of second importance. We will try and make it a networking opportunity for businesses and young individuals. So stay tuned for a schedule!

We will post a calendar or schedule packed with events to attend and we will let you know what events we plan to participate in and I’m sure we would love to see our readers get involved. Until then, here are some examples of events to show off and work on your power schmoozing skills:

Any sporting event with a stick in it usually provides a business atmosphere somewhere nearby

Golfing events

Formal Parties

Community Meetings

Live Shows in the Park

Brush up on The Power Schmoozing Skills

While preparing for a formal event I noticed it was important to work on my power schmoozing skills. Here are some important tips to remember:

1. Know your target. Days, weeks, months ahead of the event lookup background information on the various guests you wish to schmooze with and how you can relate to them. At the least you should look up a recent photograph so that you can clearly identify them.

2. Dress to Impress. This one should go without saying. You should look stunning and everything about you from head to toe including your date should make you easy on the eyes and interesting.

3. Arrive Early. If only to scope out the scene and get a sense for how the event will go down you should know the environment and speak with any of the target guests who also arrive early. This will give you more time even the extra few minutes to speak with other guests.

4. Eat first. Get food out of the way early so you have time to talk with the guests.

5. Have a 20 second seller. You should have a selling line memorized that is no longer than 20 seconds stating who you are, who you represent, and what you are selling. For example, “Hello, I’m Nicholas McGill an IT consultant by trade and senior editor for lunch hour career moves, a community project focused on building career and opportunity awareness & illustrating the importance of social networking.

6. Hang around the food. People love to talk and eat and are generally more comfortable and thus more approachable when they are eating. People feel better when they are eating; they usually let their guard down.

For More Tips Visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,299448,00.html

It Will be a "New Faze" Feature
We will be featuring a local real-estate developer New Faze Development on LHCM and would like to extend thanks to the professionals at New Faze Development for donating their time to Lunch Hour Career Moves. We will post some background information on some of the interviewees and give our readers a chance to study up before we post the interviews. When the feature is complete you will find the interviews under the New Faze section of this blog

Lanette Espinoza Donates Some Time to LHCM

Along with managing the office, Lanette Espinoza manages IT & HR departments, and functions as the safety officer for New Faze Development. Lanette has found time to volunteer as an editor for LHCM. Along with her impressive career, Lanette is a wife and mother, and active member in her local church. Lanette’s career includes serving as a secretary at the Sacramento Area Council of Governments for eight years; including four years as Administrative Coordinator for the Executive Director, three years as a secretary for an environmental laboratory and three years as a medical secretary. Lanette earned her A.S. degree in Legal Assisting from MTI College of Business and Technology in Sacramento. She was a recipient of the “Best Oral Advocate” award for her graduating class. Lanette is a long-time resident of the Sacramento area and lives in Elk Grove with her husband and son.

Big Man on Blog April 14th

We have a lunch interview scheduled for April 14th with president and CEO of New Faze Development, Allen Warren. New Faze Development is a real-estate development company that focuses on rehabilitative and infill ventures in California. Although few independent developers make a such an effort towards revitalizing neighborhoods, Allen has made it his mission to focus on revamping dynamic areas such as Del Paso Heights. He has been featured on the covers of both Comstock's magazine as well as Builder/Architect magazine. Mr. Warren continues to shine as an outstanding member of the community most recently receiving the Robert T. Matsui Community Service Award. To read more about Allen Warren and New Faze Development please click the link below.

Meet New Faze