Thanks for all the cards and emails I’ve received this past month--the new knee is getting stronger. My last gig was in Las Vegas on December 14th; on the 15th, I got a new knee. Some folks look for front teeth for Christmas . . . I got a new knee--thanks Santa. I’m getting around on a cane quite well and definitely look forward to my first speech in Houston in February where I won't be using crutches. Just call me bionic! 

Judith's Speaking Calendar 2005 - 2006

Judith's speaking calendar is half-way sold out for 2005 and several dates have been committed to for 2006.  Don't miss out--call now to reserve your dates.  Angie is in the office from 7.30 AM to 3.30 PM Mountain Time--800-594-0800.

Get Your Engines Started ...

It’s post time for the Holidays, you've been to a ton of gatherings and parties in the past month. Your Rolodex is a mess and you’ve got a stack of new business cards that you can’t remember who they belong to and where you got them from.

Who's in your network and is it time to spruce it up a tad? How do you go from a networking nobody to super schmoozer? You’ll get yourself to the "place" to be at, then what? What do you do to get your networking act together now?

Master PR rep Rick Frishman (President of Planned Television Arts-NY) has co-authored NETWORKING MAGIC: Find the Best – from Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Job (Adams Media, 2004) with Jill Lublin. They’ve created a laundry list of things to avoid in the networking maze. Included are:

• Don't act desperate

• Don't sell

• Don't monopolize

• Don't ask too soon for help

• Don't solicit competitors

• Don’t show off or brag

• Don't offer to do something that you can't or is a stretch

• Don't interrupt

• Don't just talk about you

• Don't pitch yourself

• Don't play it by ear

• Don't misrepresent yourself

• Don't promise what you can't deliver

• Don't pry

• Don't linger with losers and "hangers-on"

• Don't scan the room for others; excuse yourself and move on

• Don't overextend

• Don't be discouraged

• Don't make requests until you know the person

Anytime, anyplace, anywhere is a good time to network. True networking is a form of giving. Sure, you receive on the networking side, but it's the building of relationships over a period of time that creates the biggest present/payback.

With the "Don'ts" out of the way, what are some of the "Dos?" Here's a few:

• Two safe strategies start with a question and a compliment. Ask an open-ended question that might have a connection with the function you are attending. Most people love to talk about themselves, so ask what was their favorite gift they received during the Holidays or if they had a magic wand, what would be their ideal vacation spot.
  
  If it's work or a professional association, something along the line--What a year . . . what's the biggest hurdle (or achievement) you or your group dealt with this year? That should create some response that can start a dialogue of substance--or at least show that you are a great listener. Or, simply compliment them--be it a tie, shoes, accessory or a snazzy outfit.
   

• Keep notes. Networking involves excellent communication. Get your business cards out and exchange them . . . and immediately make a note on the back--the event, something that triggers an "aha" in your mind, something unique about your interaction.
  
  When you reconnect, refer back to it--guaranteed, the other party will be grateful--he most likely have a few memory lapses between events as well.
  
  Don’t spam via email or phone--connect when you have something that is genuine and will most likely be of interest.
   

• Schedule follow-up time on your calendar--send a note or email--something that would be of interest to the recipient. Not a "checking in" but "“thought this would be of interest to you" note.
   

•  If you note an article or announcement--send your kudos . . . remember, most people like to be acknowledged and cheered on.
   

• Join and get involved with groups and associations that you have an interest in. For starters, you’ve already got something in common.
   

• Create an e-mail newsletter with tips or helpful information. Software is available to make such e-mails seem personal and not a group mailing.

Frishman says, "Networking should be a way of life. This applies to everybody--from folks who work in big corporations to college students to stay-at-home moms. It's the building and maintaining of relationships, and relationships require caring, helping, kindness, decency, trust and honoring others. In a nutshell, networking is about giving and giving generously."

Networking Gridlock

For some, networking is a piece of cake; for others it’s work. Some of the best networkers may be terrified when them plunge into a room full of strangers. Either way, if you are feeling on the tepid side, why not ask the host to introduce you to two or three people. It’s a start and Mom always said that a "little practice" each day makes perfect; it also means that you've got to commit some time to the process.

The networking bottom line: Don't let relationships fade away until you need or want something. That's not networking, it’s mooching. "Eighty percent
of networking is following up" according to Frishman. "The key is to give information, thanks, congratulations or sincere compliments with no expectation of getting something in return."

Remember—networking isn't about promoting yourself; it's a tool that lays the foundation for future business and friendships—both take time to develop. Start now, it’s an ideal tool to begin the year with.

©2005 Dr. Judith Briles

New Books

Money $marts—Personal Financial Success in 30 Days debuts in March—it's the perfect sequel to 10 Smart Money Moves for Women (Colorado Book of the Year – 2001) and is written for everyone. The average working person spends over 10,000 days making money. How many days are you willing to commit to keeping some of it . . . and better yet, making it grow? How does 30 sound?

Money $marts delivers a practical guidebook that will equip you with an action plan to build a stronger financial future. It’s a true "Today, let’s do …" Each day has an Action Plan that will lead to your financial independence.

Money $marts is not a theory book full of pie-in-the-sky concepts. It is a common-sense, 30-day approach to spending wisely, identifying and eliminating waste, reducing debt, building a safety net, resolving credit issues, and make sure you and your family income stretches as far and works as effectively as it can. You’ll find everything you need laid out for you in a clear, well-organized strategy that includes:

Zapping Conflict in the Health Care Workplace

If you are a health care professional, than this is the book for you . . . it will save your organization thousands, even millions of dollars!

Zapping Conflict in the Health Care Workplace is available—all 420 pages of it! A bestseller with the Nurse’s Book Club this past fall, it’s the must have for any health care professional. If you work in healthcare or know someone working in health care, this is the perfect book for dealing with conflict and change that is woven throughout the industry. Over 3000 women and men responded to our Conflict and Workplace Abuse surveys—lots of surprises!

Of course, you can order it on our website. I would like to encourage you to order your copy through your favorite Barnes & Noble store or at its website, www.bn.com or www.Amazon.com. Price is $35. A sample free chapter is posted on our site at http://www.briles.com/products_toc.htm