Life and business as we knew it has changed considerably with what seems to be a nightmare you can't wake from.  Yes, the dreaded "C"word COVID or Corona, take your pick.  It has turned business upside down and inside out.  Where do we go from here and what do we do?  In my humble opinion an age old strategy is to stay connected and network, network, network!
As the creator and contagious connector of Connect Her, I have found there  are 4 key ways you can network your way through a pandemic - yes, even in lock down!

1. Stay social.  Engage with people on social media and keep up an active presence both on your personal profile and also your business profile.  Keep your posts uplifting an positive. No, you don't need to be Pollyanna, there is enough doom and gloom without seeing it on your posts too.  Avoiding political and controversial posts can also avoid you alienating your clients, customers and potential clients and customers.
2. Re-connect and check in.  With extra time on our hands it is a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and people on your "I must catch up list when I have time".  It is also a perfect opportunity to check in with those you know may be single or doing it tough emotionally.  I surprise call, face time or Google meets can brighten someones day and show them it isn't just about business, you care.
3. Follow Up - Ok, be honest, do you have a stack of business cards sitting on your desk?  Follow up on that stack of business cards, go through the pile and make contact and take the opportunity to kindle some new connections.  At Connect Her we supply a register of attendees for each meeting, I have been enjoying contacting some of the attendees and reaching out to connect.  I now have some great connections and there are a couple of joint ventures in the wings, all from following up and connecting. 
4. Update your LinkedIn profile.  I am not brilliant at this last piece of advise in all honesty.  Updating your profile is seen on your feed and I did actually update a few bits and bobs and then all of a sudden there was some interaction and movement in and around my Linkedin connections.  It is also a perfect way to connect with your connections and find find out how they are handling the current circumstances, what they are up to and how business is fairing.  You may be surprised on the little tips and tricks you both pick up along the way.
5. Networking events.  I feel like I have left the best to last.  There are many events now that have had to go online.  Connect Her saw a bridge of opportunity and moved quickly to bring our events online.  Block in networking events for the week, I recommend at least one to two.  It is easy to get "zoomed" out so be sure to schedule your events in your planner with a break time and not too many on the one day.   Enjoy connecting online and also after the official meeting.  Events that offer a combination of education and connection will keep you inspired and motivated in lock down.

So there you have my 5 tips for networking through a pandemic.  It's been tough for some, for me I have looked upon this time as a gift of opportunity to expand my connections, reach out and develop my skills.
How have you used this time?

Times Are A Changing A BIG Happy New Year to you and yours.  I really feel 2013 is a year for greatness and year for growth for all.  From November of 2012 I spent countless hours revising my business over the last 12 months.  I checked out what worked, what could be improved and what was a challenge.  I do this every year in my business, I almost go into a hibernation state as I work through the ups and the challenges for the last 10 - 12 months.  You will notice the newsletter has had a change of colour and layout.  You may also notice the heading has significantly changed.  My reevaluation of my business and core strengths invited me to re-access my business style and service. I now have incorporated the areas of my business under one umbrella making it easier to distinguish each part.  This was a huge challenge and exciting at the same time.  Are you in the process of re-evaluating your business and your life?  How did you go about the process?  Are you still in the process?  If you are stuck and would like to share your challenges please contact me for a complimentary 15 minute action traction session.

The ABC's of Great People SkillsI am a very fortunate person, I am surrounded by amazing people who have come into my life just at the right time.  One of those people is Dawn Billings, CEO & Founder of Heart Link Network International and renowned Author. One of the books Dawn co-wrote is the ABC's of Great People Skills a great read that is to the point and an easy read.  I really wanted to share the A-Z with you.  When you read each line it really starts you thinking.  Such a timely reminder as we start our journey into 2013.

Please enjoy this small excerpt from Dawn Billings:

Appreciate others.
Be kind.
Consider other’s feelings.
Don’t make fun.
Envision the future.
Forgive dumb people.
Great-fullness.
Hate or Hope.
Inspire.
Join forces.
Keep your faith.
Look inside.
Make room for diversity.
Next.
Offer help.
Push yourself, not others.
Quit Blaming.
Reach out.
Stop the Violence.
Teach tolerance.
Understand.
Value life.
Watch closely.
X-pand your views.
Yes you can!
Zero is a number, not a name.

How do you communicate with your customers?

Do you send thank you cards to your clients?

Did you know that not saying thank you to a customer hurts your business more than saying thank you helps.

Let me say that again.

Not saying thank you hurts your business more than saying thank you helps.

What I mean by that is our customers and clients expect to receive a thank you; especially if they spend a lot of money with us.  They expect us to at least acknowledge and thank them.

If I buy a house, I expect a thank you.

If I buy a car, I expect a thank you.

If I buy a Snickers I don't necessarily expect a thank you.

Big ticket items = increased expectations

If you don't send thank you cards to your clients, do you know what they are thinking?

They are thinking you don't care about them!

Studies show the reason why we lose 68% of our clients and customers is because they don't think we care about them.

Here is a simple solution I found to let my customers know I care about them.

www.leescardsonline.com

For $5.48 a year I can send 4 custom greeting cards to my clients to keep in touch with them and let them know I appreciate them.

How much is one dedicated, loyal, and happy client worth to you? Is it worth $5.48 a year?

If so watch this 3 minute video for more information:

www.leescardsonline.com

Once you watch the video, email me back and I'll be happy to help you get started.

WHAT is the value of appreciation? Lee Cummins believes a simple “Thinking About You” or “Thank you for Your Business” could lead to anything from a smile to increased profitability.

Cummins, is a local Snr Manager, representing the US based online greeting card company, SendOutCards 

Unlike other online card companies, which allows users to send an internet link to a personalised card on the internet, SendOutCards users get to personalise one of the 17,000 card options or even create their own cards using their personal photos, which is then mailed to the recipient, anywhere in the world.

Once a user logs on to SendOutCards   subscribes to the service, they can create their own secured account where they can store information like names, addresses, birthdays, anniversary dates or reminders along with photos to send appreciation messages.

Users receive emails to get their cards out in time for these occasions. There is also an option to send gifts or gift cards, which can be selected from options on the website, along with the card.

The card is printed within 24 hours after the user completes their order. Cards of the highest quality standards and printed on recycled paper.  Mailing time differs according to the postal service within the country in which the recipient lives.

Receiving an emailed link to an on-line  e-card does not compare to going to the mailbox and seeing a card among all the bills and windowed envelopes or whatever else is mailed.  Another benefit of SendOutCards, is it is more convenient than heading to a store to purchase cards, lining up at the post office or worse, not remembering to post the card.

SendOutCards makes it hassle free. You can access it at any time from a computer with internet access, no matter where you are.  You could choose from the wide selection of cards or make your own. The cost of the card is cheaper than most of the options available at card shops.

The service is utilised in the United States, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, UK and Singapore by businessmen, businesswomen and companies, including real estate agents, dentists, doctors, mortgage companies and other businesses which rely on customer- based earnings.

People feel underappreciated. 68% of customers move away from a business due to percieved indifference.

This is a simple tool to show appreciation. It is inexpensive and time saving. A lot of companies take business from people and do not say thank you. The experience is not personalised. This little tool could help many expand their business.

SendOutCards has also been used to teach school aged children appreciation and can be used as a fund raising initiative.

To raise funds, organisations such as schools or churches, can become distributors themselves and encourage parents or members to take out subscriptions to the service.

Therefore every time they send a cards or gifts from the website, the organisation will receive the profits from these sales and raise much needed funds.