Crush your Networking with Planning! – by Katharina Bayer

March 22, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

Networking means meeting new people and having a purposeful conversation to develop professional or social contacts. It’s not hard!

Katharina Bayer

At a meeting your fellow attendees have the same thing in mind you do to chat and talk business.

I come prepared with purposeful questions and a roundup summary of the services the company I represent has to offer. I use a few mapped-out sentences, so I don’t fall into a habit of using filler words that might make me sound unprofessional. I try to also focus on “how” I present myself in preparation for the meeting:

When there are people attending who I know I want to meet, I use questions I prepare so I can find out more each person’s career path and organization.  I am truly interested in the person I talk to and I stay attentive and listen actively the whole time. It’s ok to take notes on a business card or notepad afterwards to stay organized especially if talking to multiple targets. A smile on your face will have a huge impact on the outcome of the discussion!

I experienced, that in the first 7 seconds of interaction a first impression is made and that there is a window of less than 30 seconds to impress someone.

We all know to follow up after the meeting, but it really helps to create a system that works for you.  I add my new contacts to my LinkedIn account, and I include a follow up message or send an email separately. Later, I will try to reconnect with my targets at different occasions and look for (more) opportunities.

It is possible to form meaningful connections and to collaborate, I previously found a speaker for one of our events, grew the number of participants of my own networking group and acquired new customers.

My recent greatest achievement networking was to be accepted for a volunteer position for the event planning committee of a young professionals networking group. I found a meaningful task. I am proud, thankful and I am enjoying my new challenge, a great learning opportunity.

Agreements or Expectations by Winston Bersch

One of the lessons I have been taught in life, and continue to learn, is that I have caused myself a lot of the “issues” I have by expecting someone else to behave in a manner that “I” thought “they” should. Or stated differently, based on my perceived outcome, “they” should act and behave in a manner that “I” believe will achieve “my” defined results. And if they don’t … well … how dare them … they are 18 shades of … well … despicable. And furthermore … if you don’t believe me, just ask, and I will make sure you know my truth at that moment. Whew!!!

The result is that neither of us have now accomplished anything that is in the best interest of anyone, least of all ourselves, and we certainly have not built a foundation that will support what we want and desire.

Wouldn’t it be fun if we chose to forego creating expectations and created agreements?

Here’s a scenario – I have asked Bubba, a key employee or not, to help the company move in a direction that aligns with the vision that we believe we want and is in everyone’s best interest. If Bubba doesn’t really understand what that is, and he doesn’t, since at this point he is only doing the best he can from a different page, then at best we – that’s Bubba and me – can only create expectations. And the end of that story has already been written.

So, let’s have some fun! I choose to have a conversation with Bubba and first share with him, as best that I can, the what and why of our vision and the way I “currently” perceive his roll in that. I then open the conversation to what he sees and allow his innate creativity to bring forth solutions I had not even thought of and solve current and potential problems. We than reach an agreement as to how to proceed.

The result is, that as a leader, I have initiated a relationship we have both participated in, and supported him in execution of the agreement. We are now in a position as a team to handle anything that comes up, using a repeatable interaction that works.

The other unexplainable thing that happens in this journey is that somehow the original vision got bigger and changed as we moved toward it!

Think Differently … Create …

Winston Bersch has created every aspect of both successful and less successful businesses. He currently works with humans at all levels to have a richer more rewarding experience of life. Add to this his ability to help take any business or idea through the impossible and have some fun doing it!

Visit http://managingcommunications.com/blog-news/ to learn about our #UNSTUCK Workshops held in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

The Little Events Can Prepare Us for the Big Deals

August 26, 2015 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Speaking Engagements, Training 

Two years ago there was this single yellow rose drooping over a black iron fence on the road to Georgetown University Hospital where my world was teetering on my husband getting a liver transplant.  It was a symbol or a message as I passed it nearly every day for the weeks that my husband was listlessly waiting. It became a ritual for me to fearfully look to my left to see if it was still there each day, knowing that if it died before my husband was put on the list for a transplant, and later, received the frantic message that a match was made, his drooping body would likewise, give out. The flower died a day or two after Pat received his new liver.

We often need a sign to get us prepared for something bigger or better. Have you ever found some little event in your life in nature, a funny comment on Facebook, a child’s unexpected question, or a memory that allowed you to hold on during a difficult situation? There may be more purpose or inspiration in simplicity than we think.

People often ask me how I seem so calm presenting during my speaking or training engagements, an I really have not had an answer for them. Yes, confidence may be a behavior some are born with, and preparation practice cannot be overlooked, but I believe fear is overcome in any scenario by realizing what is truly important to the speaker and the audience.  Even if that connection is not perfect, finding the commonalities–emotions, needs, experiences–will provide the basis for stepping up to any challenge.  Using the simple events of our lives to make us brave enough to speak to hundreds or to present an idea or controversial perspective in the boardroom is a tool to bring us closer to the results we want. #communicatebiz

For more about MCC’s speaking and training offerings visit http://www.managingcommunications.com/training.php

Blogging Your Story..Quickly and Effectively

August 19, 2015 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

Blogging  requires a topic of interest  to your target markets and a story which will create connections. Hampton Roads business owners and professional communicators will learn and discuss the often ignored techniques which can make a difference in your online results! In this hands-on session, you will be more prepared to take your prospecting and relationship building to the next level. For more information or to rsvp, please visit our Facebook page, Managing Communications Consulting.

Communicate BIZ Roundtable presents..Blogging Your Story..Quickly and Effectively

May 22, 2015 by · 1 Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

Hampton Roads marketing and PR professionals, small business owners, and others who need to blog more strategically…We hope you will join us!

Blogging requires a topic of interest to your target markets and a story to create connections and help you stand out from your competitors.

Learn the unused tips which can make a difference in your online results! You will leave with great topics for your next blogs and a format for writing them. We will also discuss how to transition to the key messages important to your sales and marketing. Next Wednesday 8:30-9:45 a.m. at Robin’s Nest Café in the Lynnhaven Business District of  Virginia Beach. You must pre-register by Tuesday.  $15 for the session and free coffee if you purchase a delicious fresh bagel or breakfast sandwich. My favorite? The salmon bagel! susan@managingcommunications.com

Get More Linked! Learn to Use LinkedIn to Support Your Sales

February 2, 2015 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

Having a profile page and participating once a week in a LinkedIn group just doesn’t get it. In this hands-on session, Hampton Roads small business owners as well as sales or marketing professionals, will take their LinkedIn engagement to the next level. Each participant will have a buddy to enhance learning. Come join us, whether you have a very basic profile or are using LinkedIn several hours a week. We will apply marketing content and micro targeting. Participants will…

–Gain insights and apply tips for engaging nnections

–Learn techniques for building engaging content

–Strengthen their understanding of measuring and monitoring social media

Wednesday, February 25, 8-10a.m

Troy University, 100 Volvo Parkway, Ste 300, Chesapeake, VA  23320

Fee: $20 includes continental breakfast for the two-hour training and networking session. Reservations are required by check or credit card. No shows will be invoiced. Pre-register by contacting Susan Long-Molnar, susan@managingcommunications.com.

Bring a used book to donate to Troy’s March Book Month Drive, and you could win a two-hour, one-on-one consultation on social media planning.

Communicate BIZ Roundtable is a monthly seminar series for small business owners and professionals responsible for marketing, PR, sales and internal communications within their companies.

What’s Hot? What’s Not? Marketing Strategies for 2015

January 9, 2015 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

According to a recent Forbes article, consumers will use 5+ online sources to facilitate actual purchase decisions, reducing reliance on traditional brick-and-mortars. Whether you are brick and mortar retailer, a professional services firm or a consultant, how will changing customer buying habits impact your business? Are you ready for branding with real non-fiction engagement and attach emotion to your brand? What can you expect from social media in 2015? Be ready to understand customers’ needs to build you marketing strategies and which tools will have the most impact!
Join us for great networking, share your successes, and learn some new tips for handling difficult relation-ships. You will…

Understand what is hot and what is not

Gain insights for how to manage and adjust your marketing strategies

Identify ways to increase your brand awareness
When: Wednesday, January 28, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Location: Fulton Bank, N.A. – Hampton Roads Division, 4429 Bonney Road, Suite 510, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Presenter: Susan Long-Molnar, President of Managing Communications Consulting, a marketing and PR professional with 30 years experience in this market.
Fee: $15 includes Continental breakfast. Reservations required by check or credit card. No shows will be invoiced.
Pre-registration Required: Call Susan Long-Molnar, 757-513-8633
8:30-8:45 Networking and Introductions
8:45-9:05 Presentation
9:05-9:30 Interactive practicum
9:30-9:45 Sharing results and Q/A
And you will receive…
? Incredible opportunities to network
? Chance to win a popular marketing book
? List of attendees and contact information for future relationship building
Communicate BIZ Roundtable is a monthly seminar series for small business owners and professionals responsible for marketing, PR, sales and internal communications within their companies. We want you in the room if you are responsible for increasing revenue and/or engaging others to bring success to your organiza-tion in 2015! Monthly sessions are facilitated by Susan Long-Molnar, President of Managing Communications Consulting, who will often partner with another expert on the topic.

Communicate BIZ Roundtable Presents: Building the More Difficult Relationships

October 11, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

Why is it so difficult to build some relationships? How can you communicate differently to engage employees or a potential client? How do you build relationships with people of the other gender or a different generation or background? How can you turn around the perceptions a potential client may have about you or your company? Be ready to understand needs, communications techniques for different generations, and tools for  improving relationships.

Join us for great networking, share your successes, and learn some new tips for handling difficult relationships. You will…

  • Understand how to develop a mini-strategic plan for renewing, improving or establishing a relationship with a peer, boss, prospect, or vendor.
  • Gain insights for your team to evaluate how you are communicating with employees to build relationships
  • Learn seven keys to dealing with difficult people

When:  Thursday, November 6, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Location: Troy University, 100 Volvo Parkway, Ste 300, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Presenter: Susan Long-Molnar, President of Managing Communications Consulting, a marketing and PR professional with 29-plus years experience in this market. She has corporate experience and expertise in    assisting managers and supervisors to handle the communications for difficult situations and muti-generations in the work environment.

Fee: $15 includes Continental breakfast. Reservations required by check or credit card. No shows will be invoiced. Includes complimentary coffee and sampling.

Pre-registration Required: Call Susan Long-Molnar, 757-513-8633

8:30-8:45 Networking and Introductions

8:45-9:05 Presentation

9:05-9:30 Interactive practicum

9:30-9:45 Sharing results and Q/A

And you will receive…

? Opportunities to network

? Chance to win a discounted 2-hour customized communications training session for you and your team (value of $400). While you pay only $150.

? List of attendees and contact information for future relationship building

Communicate BIZ Roundtable is a monthly seminar series for small business owners and professionals   responsible for marketing, PR, sales and internal communications within their companies. We want you in the room if you are responsible for increasing revenue and/or engaging others to bring success to your organization in 2014! Monthly sessions are facilitated by Susan Long-Molnar, President of Managing Communications Consulting, who will often partner with another expert on the topic.

Announcing the 360IT Partners Professional Learning Series for Hampton Roads Small Businesses

September 3, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Bits and Tips, Management Coaching 

Don’t miss a great opportunity for networking and learning the latest IT trends and challenges from the best of  local experts in Hampton Roads. We hope you will join us for the first session which is designed for small business to be prepared for any type of disruption or disaster in  business operations. Well known moderator Cathy Lewis will lead the panelists through an excellent dialogue and your questions as well! See the flyer for more details:

Final 360IT Partners Learning Series flyer

A Few Good Seats Still Open for this Week’s Communicate BIZ Roundtable

July 21, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Marketing Communications 

Hampton Roads) Creating Awesome Social Media Marketing Campaigns for events, product launches, referral programs, and more…

Strategy for social media is often overlooked when we are ready to promote an event or any new product, service or business. How many topics do you need to keep interest and volume for posts? What visuals or videos can you implement or incentives? How can you better build “likes” and “followers” in the process and get more sharing of your messages? Be ready to get creative, think deeply, and network with people who can validate your strategies!
Join us for great networking, share your successes, and learn some new tips for your social media marketing campaigns. We will take a look at:
Engaging your team to evaluate current products and services with creating marketing campaigns

Identify key messages, visuals, and language specifically appealing in social media

Understand how to develop a mini-strategic plan for a social media campaign

When: Wednesday, July 23, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Location: Simply Fresh Café & Market, Town Center, Virginia Beach

Fee: $15 includes Continental breakfast. Reservations required by check or credit card. No shows will be in-voiced. Includes complimentary coffee and sampling.

Pre-registration Required: Call Susan Long-Molnar, 757-513-8633
8:30-8:45 Networking and Introductions
8:45-9:05 Presentation
9:05-9:30 Interactive practicum
9:30-9:45 Sharing results and Q/A
And you will receive…
Opportunities to network

Chance to win a complimentary 1 hour marketing consulting session

List of attendees and contact information for future relationship building
Communicate BIZ Roundtable is a monthly seminar series for small business owners and professionals responsible for marketing, PR, sales and internal communications within their companies. We want you in the room if you are responsible for increasing revenue and/or engaging others to bring success to your organiza-tion in 2014! Monthly sessions are facilitated by Susan Long-Molnar, President of Managing Communications Consulting, who will often partner with another expert on the topic.

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