Project Exponential

Month: January 2013

  • Disappointing relationships? It could be you.

    I often hear the following:

    • My relationships aren’t fulfilling.
    • I’m not meeting the right people.
    • I’m not as connected as I’d like to be.
    • My employees don’t respect me.
    • My team isn’t as close as when we first began.
    • I’m not introduced in the way that I’d like.
    • I can’t find people who share my interests.

    It’s easy to place the blame on outside factors and fault something external, something beyond our control — a difficult situation, a partner’s deficit, the inability of a client to clearly communicate. The challenging route is an active one, requiring self-discipline and honest assessment. For example:

    • How do I represent myself across different areas of my life (to friends, acquaintances, strangers, colleagues, my family)?
    • Are the activities I participate in an accurate representation of my innermost dreams and ambitions?
    • Do I frequent similar kinds of situations expecting different results?
    • Am I investing time and intention to create meaningful relationships?
    • Do I carefully and thoughtfully communicate with others?

    Self-analysis can be trying, confusing, and difficult to navigate; however, it is an essential step in identifying the roles we create in our lives.

    How do you contribute to common perceptions of your character and personality? What behaviors do you repeat that fail to serve you in your most valued personal and professional relationships?

    Most often, the gate towards fulfilling, meaningful connection begins with you.

  • 7 objections to overcome

    1. You’re not qualified.
    2. You don’t have the experience.
    3. You’re not connected.
    4. You haven’t done this before.
    5. This will require all of your time.
    6. You don’t have the resources.
    7. It’s out of your league.

    You’ll hear all sorts of objections. You get to decide if you’re going to listen.

    Develop responses you can quickly and easily remember. You’ll need rebuttals you can use for yourself and for the world.

  • Are you in the right theater?

    This may sound hokey, but stay with me.

    If you were an outside observer watching the events of your life on a movie screen, would you enjoy what was playing?

    When we’re able to remove ourselves and consider our decisions objectively, we gain valuable information. Our emotions no longer dictate action. By stepping back, we can better identify the path we’re traveling on.

    Are you moving closer towards your goals and the person you hope to be? Are you creating something you’re proud of?

    Envision your life on film.

    People are watching.

  • 3 tips to make your meeting count

    Tip #1: If you’re looking to connect meaningfully, place the other before you.

    Most successful people are busy people. They’ve carved time out of their day to meet with you. Time is a resource neither party can redeem after you’ve parted ways. Be considerate.

    After every meeting, thank each and every person for their contribution and time. A follow up thank you builds rapport and communicates respect, paving the way towards a meaningful connection. Your thank you also provides an opportunity to make sure your intent and needs have been clearly communicated.

    Tip #2: People cannot help you if they don’t know how.

    “I’m looking for a job” will quickly place you into a forgotten drawer of miscellaneous. However, confidently stating, “I’m looking to support locally owned restaurants with sustainable missions” positions you in a specific category, making your ask an easy recall. Guess who will be first in mind when any kind of opportunity in the health, wellness, hospitality, sustainable industries pops up? Be specific and know what you want. People generally want to see you succeed and will help if they know how.

    Tip #3: Jazzy Jane from Toledo is sitting by the cheese dip.

    Effective networking and memorable impressions go hand in hand. It’s like learning names. Create a colorful story when you first meet someone, and you’ll have an easier time asking them to pass the salad bowl.

    What characteristics separate you from the crowd? Practice telling your unique narrative to a friend. If you aren’t comfortable making your remarkable presence known, chances are high that you won’t during your meeting, either.