Howard's comments

Thank You Jean-Pierre. Great Article. So much good advice and I especially like the reminders about how important a role CASH is. I very much enjoyed your "old-school" power-point presentation last week also. You are a valuable resource for the Biznik community. ...Howard

Sierra... RE advice for this event... Much of the time spent in an individual in-person network engagement is spent on a dialogue with non-aligned objectives. If you can facilitate a group exercise that produces individual "ah ha moments", you will succeed in your goal.

I would suggest you create an exercise that puts a group of 2-4 people together and clearly defines who are the listeners and who is the speaker. The speaker being the one seeking the help. (Maybe even use a visual aid like a paper hat so that every one knows the role they are playing during that segment of time.) A rule could be that listener's can ONLY offer advice when they speak.

Roles and groupings should rotate with some kind of timed signal and some kind of "random" decision process that mixes up people that they would not have chosen themselves and that decides the role they are serving in for that period.

I will be there to experience your event and regardless of weather you like my suggestion or not, I'm sure you will have a GREAT event.

In my humble opinion ...Howard

Amy... For a young woman, you are becoming very wise. Thank you for sharing with the Biznik community. And, thank you for giving new life to this subject thread.

I would like to re-iterate one of my favorite lessons learned:

• Cash Flow - just may be more important than Profit in the beginning, and in the middle, and in the end.

Julie... Thank you (and your co-host - Pamela) for organizing an effective and informational Biznik Learning Event. You executed it in a professional manner. I believe we all came away with many things we can all use in our continuing careers. I will recommend your services and events whenever I can. ...Howard

Thank you, Nancy. You will always be one of my favorite "reads". Very good information and great examples and stories to make your points.

You sparked another great idea with me today which I will apply to my own publicity efforts. Keep up the good work. ...Howard

Jamie... Thanks for some good advice. As an introvert hiding behind an extrovert facade, I can relate. You actually have discovered conversational networking, part of Shameless Bragging without even being aware of it. ...Howard

Laurie... Thank you for sharing this story with the business community. Open communication like this is helpful to warn business owners about the unseen risks they encounter everyday.

I would like to put in a shameless plug for the Profit Mastery Program which can help biz operators in many ways avoid some of these risks.

And, speaking from experience, I would like to share the knowledge within this program so owners can spot things that need attention before it is too late. Now that you know the risk, protect yourself before you-too are duped. ...Howard

Jim... Thanks for the laughs. I don't know why but your new photo brought a smile to my face. Thank you for that also. ...Howard

Paul... Thank you for that great advice. Now, if I can only commit that phrase to memory.

I look forward to your continuing inspiration.

I think one of the best designed and most inviting is the Bigfoot Java chain. They have numerous locations, mostly though-out the south sound area. ...Howard

Disclaimer: I have consulted with them in the past. You are welcome to pick my brain if you desire.

And, as the sales rep... how do I phrase the ultimate question to flush out what the specific benefit my prospect is looking for?

Nina... I am a member of The Village Bellevue where I hold my Eastside events and workshops. Best way to check it out is to come to one of my Eat Greet and Meet in Bellevue Luncheons.

I think the price is reasonable, but of course that is relative to how often you use the space. You can call me, and I will share more. ...Howard

Anita... in my humble opinion, I think anything you do that encourages positive recognition of you (and subsequently your business) is a good thing to do.

I don't think it's necessary to change the name of your business to market yourself. People "buy you first" and it really doesn't matter who they write the check to when using your service.

BTW: I market myself to meet people that may need my services or can refer me to others as "That Sales Guy" so that I'm not just another "Sales Trainer". It's a "marketing" thing.

Please write your checks to "Biz Financial Service, LLC", which doesn't inspire a lot of interest, (from a marketing viewpoint) does it?

I'm sorry for being a no-show. When I RSVP'd this event, I added it to my Google Calendar from the link provided and it put it in at 7:30PM NOT AM.

Now I am just getting ready to travel to Kent and I notice the error. My apologies for not showing this morning. ...Howard

Colleen... Not easy to do, but very effective if you can discover how. Thank you for your insight and being a friend. With your permission, I would like to blend your influence into my "Shameless Bragging" presentations.

BTW... I want to see your "test photo" that you do with Karrie to submit to Francois Brunelle. At first blush, I think you could be in his book. ...Howard

Bridget... I facilitate a workshop that helps you become "irresistible" to bankers. It could be very helpful for you.

Contact me for additional information. ...Howard

Lief... Although I have a client meeting at that time, I will suggest we log in and "lurk" on your interview. Good Luck. Great Idea. ...Howafd

Joe... I so much agree. Now, you stay visible enough with the result of your project, so that when you are ready to share it with the world (or just your personal network) people like me can see it (the result of your initiative). That is one way your #3 Respect grows with others.

And, thanks Lori (even though she's not visibly present in this conversation) for the reminder.

Isn't that a great example of the "weak-ties" principle at work. ...Howard

Joe... Thank you for a well-written and informative article. The concept of "Bridges" has been the method that I have received most of my Biznik referrals. Although, every key that you have mentioned is important and I recommend every Biznik should learn how to master your six keys.

I'm now convinced that Social Capital IS the New Economy and that your Network IS Your Most Valuable Asset. Too bad that we have no real way of measuring it and listing it on our balance sheet. ...Howard

Kelly... I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience although your willingness to share it with others is not only admirable, but it will help you convert this adversity into an opportunity somehow.

It seems to me that every "bad business" experience I have seen or lived through myself always starts with "a good friend". A requisite class in "entrepreneurial school" should be: "When to fire a customer?"

Red Flags are the warning signs, and we all need more courage to follow them with our gut feel. It's a difficult task, but we must master it. The support of the Biznik community can help.

Thank you for sharing with us, Kelly. Keep faith that with a strong discipline to adherence to your original terms will succeed in the end. Sorry that you have lost what appeared to be a "good friend". ...Howard