Connecting People

Some people think of networking as a way to get connected solely for their own advancement in life. In that respect a person might feel that it is unethical to network. This line of thinking stems from the idea that advancement will always come at the expense of someone else. Success in life is a zero sum game. In reality it does not work that way. Networking does not have to be at anybody’s expense. It actually rewards people for helping others to succeed. In that respect it may very well be the almost ethical business model today.

There are different types of networkers. The hunters create lots of negativity. They go for quick kill. They operate without regard of the others’ interest. Thus they will not last long before their true colours shine. They are the bad boys.

The farmers spend a lot of time sowing and nourishing relationships. They invest and energise their network. They use but never abuse their network. A true networker will always keep the interests of others in mind. These networkers are often very likeable and people like to interact with them.

Networking is not a bad word after all. Networking is a skill!

Top 10 Sales Slip Up!

1) No Empathy
Most salesmen get caught up in own needs – meet the quota make the commission - that they do not feel the customers’ pain. E.g. currently, most customers might find it hard to justify purchasing luxurious items. However if they could manage where it hurts and bring the feel good factor to the customers, everything goes!

2) The Goal – Make Money
Money should not be the goal. Strive to be the best in your field. Make that the goal and the money will come.

3) Just a Job
Selling should be your life, not just a job. Have passion. Never stop selling. Otherwise quit now!

4) Down and Upset
Always be happy even though the doors are slammed in the face. Rejection inspires to greater heights. Getting upset bring you down.

5) Unprepared
Do your homework. Prepare your presentation. Arrive before the agreed time.

6) Over Prepared
Be prepared does not mean following a script, which will make you seem wooden (kayu)! Rehearse and improvise instead of memorize!

7) Treat Customers As Adults
Many customers do not buy based on logic and intelligence. Deep down, many buy based on impulse and rationalize like teenagers! They want excitement and status. E.g. they will still buy the latest Ferrari even though they hardly drive the 3 that are parked in the garage.

8) Don’t Believe in the Products
If you are having trouble to use and believe in the products, quit now!

9) Neglect the Relationship
Build the relationship. Convert the customers to friends. Better the devil you know that the angel you do not know!

10) We Are Basically Reptiles
The most important part of our brain has embedded animal instincts of survival and reproduction. Sing together in karaoke, swing together in golf course etc will assist in satisfying these instincts.

Modified from article written by Dr. G.Clotaire Rapaille, Fortune Sept 29, 2008

Looking for : Networking

If you are in Facebook, check out how many of your contacts has the above tag.

Networking is a must to bring colour and breathe life into our lives. It connects and builds relationships both in our personal and professional life. It gives us new ideas, prospects which could lead to new businesses, career advancement, life partner and macam-macam lagi!

Here are some tips to make networking a fun event:

1. Remember names
People naturally feel friendly toward us if we have made the effort to remember names. This act itself will be a good start and he or she will be keen to be a friend.

2. Create conversations and be a good listener
People love to talk about their lives. Ask a few leading questions and most people will keep the conversation going. Before we know it, we are friends for life. Personally I have many new found friends from the simple topic of football or cricket! For all LIVERPOOL FC lovers, please stand up!

3. Care and interested in other people.
People love to be associated with loving and caring beings. Do really care about these people. Sincerely offer our shoulders to cry on during distress moments.

Happy Networking. Please do share your proven tips as the above list is not comprehensive.

Facebook

Love it or loathe it. Personally I love it as it connects people. I have re-established and resumed relationships with many long lost pals, in addition to knowing new acquaintances.

Separated in era where there was no handphone and e-mail, it was refreshing to see them alive and kicking. (Sadly also found out a few who had perished. RIP). Obviously 20 years are a long time and it was fun to catch up again and revisited those innocent and carefree years! The last time we met, we were kids. Now, when we meet they have kids! Some can even form a futsal / basketball team!

Those who are not connected yet, why are you waiting? Join in the bandwagon.

KKK 666

KK Kam celebrates his birthday every 6 June. Ain't no white supremacist (he is yellow anyway) and ain't no devil! He is my childhood friend. In the Air Panas kampung (yes, we do have hot water spurting from the ground - how we wish it is hot oil!), we played football, looked for spiders behind the bushes, swam in the drain (those days the water looked clean!) etc.

In college, draped with Nirvana t-shirt, long hair and fag in the mouth, consistent with the Seattle inspired grunge era, he was the anti social king. Fast forward, consistent with the BN inspired flip flop era, he is eking a living and just like you and me, wondering what is in store for our kids! Happy Birthday buddy!

12 June. No devil number here but still worth mentioning. My life partner celebrates her birthday on this date. Since last year this date is even more meaningful! My son, was born! yes, mom and son shares the same birthday. (Good news for me cause that make it 1 less date to remember!) Blame it or should it be credit to the doctor?

Past few years, most of the arrival of storks courtesy of mid 30 and above moms have always been through C-section. Make us wonder why? Either those doctors are taking the easy way out or there are so many lembik moms that are in real danger! (this topic will be reserved for another day). This 2nd pregnancy fell into this category. Doctor recommended 11 June to go under the knife. 12 June sounded nicer, doc! To make it 3's Company, sister's son, i.e. nephew too popped out on 12 June, 9 year ago.

9 July. That's my birthday. Do not know anyone sharing the same birthday until reading about Steve Coppell, a Scouser footballer, who was rejected by the Reds, who at the time was playing for the devils (the team name should never appear on this blog!) The same lad that is now managing Reading! Then in 1989, new batch of students joined us in Sixth Former and viola, found a new found mate who shares the same birthday. And 2 days ago, another VI mate flagged me via Facebook, that he too popped out on 9 July, 37 years ago!