Archive for December 2008
When you’re gone, what will you leave?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Today, I had a unique opportunity to work on my business vs. “in” my business. These strategic opportunities don’t come along often for the business owner but are crucial for growth. The exercise was to discover your core values. By the end of the exercise, I had 5 to 6 core values identified. However, one stood out from the rest for me and could very well sum up the others. Legacy.
Wealth, Integrity, Trust, Creative/Innovative, Perfect, Competent, and Courage were examples of core values. Legacy spoke volumes to me. Why do we do what we do? What is our motivation? What is our ultimate goal? Why do we choose the careers we are in? Of course, I want to live well, travel, and build wealth. And yes, I work to make money to live on, but what do I want to leave behind?
Legacy covers much ground. For my business, I want to build a brand that keeps going with or without me. For my family, I want my children to be miles ahead of me both spiritually and creatively. For my relationships, I want the seeds I sow to exponentially grow to touch others.
OK, so I’ve identified why I do what I do. Surprisingly, that’s the easy part. Now, I need to make sure my actions support my core value.
The Connector
Friday, December 12, 2008
Lately, I have been called a connector, especially in the Body of Christ. At this time in my life, the Lord has me in this place. Sometimes, it feels like I am not doing my part in ministering to people who are hurting or in need. I have come to understand that’s ok and not all kingdom work is frontline.
I have found myself in this place and I trust that it is “my place”, if even for a season.
What is a connector?
The Free Dictionary by Farlex online says:
Noun 1. Connectorconnector – an instrumentality that connects
con·nect (k-nkt)
v. con·nect·ed, con·nect·ing, con·nects
v.tr.
1. To join or fasten together.
2. To associate or consider as related: no reason to connect the two events.
3. To join to or by means of a communications circuit:
4. To plug in (an electrical cord or device) to an outlet.
v.intr.
1. To become joined or united: two streams connecting to form a river.
2. To be scheduled so as to provide continuing service, as between airplanes or buses.
3. To establish a rapport or relationship; relate: The candidate failed to connect with the voters.
I have connected ministers and pastors together with other ministries or with resources. I have connected friends with other friends. All with a strategic purpose (realized or not). A few years ago, my prayer was for the Lord to place me strategically. I feel that is what has happened. I don’t even see the big picture of what is happening but, instead, sense that it’s bigger than I know. The cool part, is that it’s happening with little to no effort on my part, almost like I am a spectator or witness of it. A few years ago, I never would have put this “job” (connector) into the equation of strategy. I’m glad He did. Can’t wait to see where it leads and how it plays out. I would be interested to know if anyone else feels like they are a “Connector” in the Body of Christ.?
Red Hat Marketing Tip The Power of Networking
Friday, December 12, 2008
Talk about a blast from the past. This week I have connected with two of my former referral partners ending up getting business from one and giving a referral to other one. This wouldn’t be that unusual, except both were from a networking group from a different town about 3 years ago. This is harvest season for me.
The concept of “farming” and “cultivating” relationships successfully to yield results is not for the impatient. How long do you work and invest in your referral partners? When is enough? The word is commitment. I know, for some of you “kiddos” this is not a good word. Like any good relationship commitment must be the glue. Commitment and Foolish are not synonymous. You can be committed all day long and not be happy.
How do you get your contacts to refer you?
a. You work them. It is your responsibility to train them to refer you. (That means no complaining. If they aren’t referring, odds are you didn’t do your job right)
b. You gain their trust.
* Visibility
* Credibility
c. They know you, really. Invest the time to know them and in return for them to know you.
d. Find ways to help them first.
If you want more info on referral marketing, email me for workshop dates. hillary@thinkmarketingtexas.com