I just returned from two amazing conferences and was fortunate to speak at both.

The speaking experiences were, as always, tons of fun, and the two different people I presented with offered wonderful experiences that can never be duplicated.

But what I gained most from this year’s experience was the rich networking! Before joining the Board of NE (Nutrition Entrepreneur’s Dietetic Practice Group of ADA), I would quietly attend conferences, going to sessions and then disappearing into my room for rest and workouts.

As with most of us, networking was work!

Why is networking important and what can you do to benefit from it?

First, often people shy away from ‘networking’ because they suddenly think they have nothing to share. “What WILL I say?” Here is the first mistake; thinking it’s about you! Stop thinking about YOU and start thinking about who you would like to meet: There may be particular people, or maybe you just want to ‘get out there’. You’re not going to like everyone you meet, but you may also meet someone who you totally click with and suddenly start talking about exciting collaborative opportunities with. This is what happened to me this trip.

So, step into a networking event/opportunity with the sole purpose of learning about the people who are there. Period. Make SURE you have cards with you, but when you ask someone what they do, if you’re interested, ask them for a card, and when you’re done talking, make a note on their card, so you can remember what you were interested in about them. This helps you add a personal touch when you contact them afterwards.

Second, be very clear what YOU would like to accomplish from the experience. Be focused on what YOU have to offer. Do you have a new book out? Or maybe you are writing a book? Maybe you are expanding your nutrition or fitness business and need clients. Never expect to come away with new clients; you’re just putting the word out, but again, be very clear what you hope to accomplish for yourself, too. Do you have your audio logo (elevator speech) perfected? If not, work on it, now! (for help, buy my book). People should know what problems you solve, who you work with, and what makes you different, in just 30 seconds.

Finally, if you are clear what you want, when you meet people who you want to get to know more, the way the universe provides you with what you want is by asking. So, tell people what you are looking for! You will be amazed by the willingness of people to help, if you’re open and honest, AND you also care about what THEY want.

Now what?

You’re now home and you have all these cards. Who do you want to stay in touch with? Just about everyone, today, has an email address on their card, so, within a week, be sure to contact those you enjoyed meeting and want to stay in touch with. You’ll be amazed when, one day you look back and realize that the partner you have for your wildly successful venture was once that last person you almost did NOT say hi to at that networking event.

Here’s my challenge to you:

Pick one way you can push outside your own comfort zone in order to network. Share it with me. I’d also love to hear networking success stories. This will help inspire others to know that they are not alone when it comes to the fear of networking.

Margie

http://www.meg-enterprises.com

At a time when competition can be fierce, and the business climate is cautious, blue ocean strategy can make the difference between success and failure.

What made me think of blue ocean strategy was hearing the story that the founder of Cirque du Soleil just went into space. It reminded me of my comp exam for my MBA, because Cirque du Soleil is one of the companies used as an example of blue ocean strategy, which was one of the questions I answered for my comp.

So, what IS blue ocean strategy and why is it such a big deal?

Blue Ocean Strategy is a concept developed by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne for a business school program, which they then turned into a book and an entire website (http://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/). The concept is based on looking across industry and conventional boundaries for new ideas and new ways of doing business. It’s a way of making competition irrelevant by offering something no one else offers.

Why is it called blue ocean strategy? Well, when there is no competition in the water, it’s nice and calm and blue. Conventional strategy has many others in the water – it turns red from the fighting!

Now, I could write (another) full paper on this topic, but I’m just going to cut to the chase AND recommend the book. Here’s cutting to the chase:

Here’s what you do -

* Look across strategic groups. In other words, look up or down your industry to offer an audience being missed by either high end or KMart.

* Look across substitutes. For instance, Southwest looked at how ELSE people get from point A to point B, and instead of competing with other airlines, compete against the automobile!

* Look across complementary groups. An example is going to a Barnes & Noble and sitting around, reading a book, listening to music and drinking a latte.

* Look across functional-emotional groups. Before Starbucks, you just went for a cup of coffee!

* Look across time. What’s a trend that you can grab onto? The Green movement? Social networking? What’s NEXT?

What role does Cirque du Soleil play in all of this? Well, they looked at circuses and wondered how they could capture a different market by offering something NO one offered! It’s not a typical circus, but it’s not a typical show. It’s a blue ocean where no other sharks are swimming… yet.

What is YOUR blue ocean?

Margie

We lost a shining star last last week, and I lost a client and a very special person. A personal training client I had worked with since 1999 lost her battle with congestive heart disease, caused by radiation for cancer many years ago.

But she left an incredible legacy and stands as a shining example of what a difference we all can make in the lives of others.  After she retired from her own business, she consulted for an international company, traveling the world, even as her health deteriorated to where she could not travel alone, or without oxygen.  She even became the president of her national professional organization, and was recently awarded Alumni of the Year from her medical school she attended so many years earlier. Yet she felt it was improper to feel pride. And she was always striving to do more and have a purpose, even as her activity decreased. Her purpose was to serve and make a difference for those coming behind her. Yea, she left a legacy that she’ll never really realize.

What will YOUR legacy be? What are you creating right now? Is it by chance, or are you clear what footprint you wish to leave on this earth?

There comes a time in all of our lives where we wonder what is next for us. Some people stress a great deal over it, in fact. I know, because I work with many people who are making huge changes in their lives/futures. Sure, it’s scary and represents great uncertainty, but it can also be viewed as an AMAZING time! What other creatures can change the focus and direction of their lives?

If you can’t answer my initial question, here are some questions to help walk you through coming closer to the answer:

1.What do you value most in life? It might be independence, it might be power, it might be service.

2. Where does your greatest passion lie? Stop and consider what conversations light you up. There is a consistency to it, even if you’re not aware of what that is.  When I ask clients this question the first time, often they don’t know. But in conversation I am able to point this out, usually quite easily. I’m sure others notice it, too.

3. Imagine the end of your life and you are sitting on the porch, talking about what you have accomplished. Draft that conversation and focus on just one thing you would like to highlight.

There you go! My client was extremely accomplished, but she was so because she felt it important to serve her profession and help others succeed. None of her accomplishments were for her own satisfaction; it was just who she was and knew this was her destiny. I’m thrilled that she received many acknowledgements for her accomplishments before the end of her life.

We all should be so lucky as to listen to our heart and live our destiny. But I don’t think it’s by chance. We must forge our path and be fearless in following it.

What is YOUR legacy?

Margie

Again I am prompted to comment on the information spread by people who have no education or background in nutrition science. Apparently an actress just shared on her new TV show that grapes are fattening and that if you scoop out the inside from a bagel that you get rid of the ‘bad’ calories.

Interesting. I’d LOVE to hear your comments about this!

Then here are my questions:
1. Do you believe either of these statements?

2. What would lead you to believe (or not believe) either of these statements?

We’ll go from there after I get feedback. Just curious.

Margie