Knock, Knock…Opportunities Calling

By Jennifer Murray

Opportunities are everywhere. For those of us open minded enough to see the opportunity in everything this becomes a burden and an issue. As we develop our lives and our businesses to a greater level of consciousness, it can’t be helped. There are many motivational speakers, events, and challenges out there so sooner or later, it will happen to you as well.

Recently, I’ve realized that opportunities can be categorized into two categories.

1. Synergistic with Us
2. Synergistic with Others
   

Opportunities synergistic to others are the easiest to spot. Have you ever uttered the words: “someone should do that, make that, or service that?” You may think there is a perfectly viable business or opportunity to make millions. “Hey, if I can think it, there must be others who would want it or do it,” you might say.

And next comes the “hey, if I think there’s opportunity for someone else to do it, why don’t I?” Stop right there. Do yourself a favour and spend some time thinking about the “why don’t I” because this is where many go wrong. It’s best to be extremely clear on what the opportunity brings to your existing world and determine where the synergies lie. It may be best if someone else, indeed, took it on.

Opportunities synergistic with your company will have far greater leverage and will take you farther. Not only will you be able to gain greater insight into the capabilities of your current resources and goals, you’ll notice where certain tasks can accomplish more than one goal.

If you have a company purpose, vision, and values already determined, these will help you ascertain viability and fit. Also consider the development required to make all aspects of the opportunity work for you. Where this new opportunity fits into your current portfolio will make a difference (and may very well determine how much time and money you put into developing). Don’t forget where you will promote it, support it, and grow it — there’s a lot to consider.

But don’t let this daunt you. The more opportunities presenting themselves, the better you get at deciding if it’s for you or not…and suggesting ideas to others. Never neglect your due diligence to ensure the opportunity is all that it is presented to be.

Be solid in what you’re all about and it makes it easier to know what will rocket your success and what will fizzle it.

Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant, determines efficiencies for small businesses and simply gets the job done in her role as a virtual assistant. Her energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, and focus have lightened the load for many managers and entrepreneurs. Growing a small business requires a team where each member does what he or she does best. Jennifer creates an opportunity for small businesses to grow their business while supporting their existing business. She can be reached at jennifer@thenimbleassistant.com.

Published September 2008 Networking Today

Not So Social Networking

By Jennifer Murray

Social Networking is definitely the latest buzz – and many businesses are learning how to work this powerful information source. The temptation is great when you see a store full of candy and so many innocents clamoring at the jar!

So what is it really? Entire Web sites (which grow to colossal proportions) have been created to assist people (users) in being social online and find commonalities among them. (Think of My Space and Facebook, for examples.) Users create a profile where they can include as much or as little information about themselves as they feel comfortable. Once an account is established, you can see what groups are listed (social ones, like you find in any real-life community) and how they are unique to certain people. You can create your own group if you don’t feel you belong to an existing one; it depends on what kind of social interaction you are looking for and what you are willing to share online. Once you’ve found people with common interests or experiences, you can “chat” easily from there…or not.

When I signed on to a popular social network, I did so for personal reasons, with no intentional link to businesses or services. It was a place to have fun and reconnect with people. Now, the business woman in me says I’m a fool not to tap into it since there is such a yummy source of information waiting to be eaten up. Whoa! What a dichotomy!

I seriously wonder though, how much candy I could trust to satisfy my business sweet tooth. Information is great; it’s what we expect to get out of it that makes the sum greater than its parts. It’s a tricky recipe though. How many parts marketing, demographic targeting, overt and covert needs, and reliable information is what makes the business candy.

Having heeded the warning of including personal information on the Internet, I know there are significant parts about me that I have not shared. Serious information that would affect my buying patterns and intentions from a marketing perspective are coveted but not available for the world to see. Learn about your customers, yes! Create groups that you can poll, yes! But don’t be lured into thinking you’re getting the secret family recipe for candy taffy.

Do we consider ourselves social when we are networking? Certainly, but we don’t always consider ourselves networking when we are being social, right? People who are self-employed recognize this and put huge value in each social interaction. They are always networking; and business can thrive because of it. It’s the other bunch (the gang who go out for coffee or beer for the fun of it) that I put into question. Can we accept their interaction as a green flag to use what we learn from them within our business?

Probably not which is why I caution against using information from social networking sites. People who share information with one intent will not be happy if it is used for another, and so they should be. Regardless of where you get the information; be sure to use it respectfully and with integrity. Only the same will return to you.

Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant, determines efficiencies for small businesses and simply gets the job done in her role as a virtual assistant. Her energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, and focus have lightened the load for many managers and entrepreneurs. Growing a small business requires a team where each member does what he or she does best. Jennifer creates an opportunity for small businesses to grow their business while supporting their existing business. She can be reached at jennifer@thenimbleassistant.com.

Publishes April 2008 Networking Today

Networking for Work

By Jennifer Murray, The Nimble Assistant

That’s what we’re doing. Some of us, out there schmoozing, socializing, buying groceries or office supplies are looking for work. The difference between work seekers is the nature of job we are looking for – employment or customers.

Is there really that much difference between employment and customers? Perhaps not in the acquiring but certainly in the delivery. A huge portion of the population is looking for employment – to work for someone else. They are seeking job satisfaction, benefits, co-workers, a computer, and maybe a Christmas party.

Entrepreneurs are looking for employment – to work for themselves. They are seeking job satisfaction (on their own terms), benefits (flexibility and direct reward), partners (instead of co-workers), the equipment they want, and they’ll go to many Christmas parties. The process is essentially the same though. Both people need to get out there, meet people, talk about what they have to offer, understand customer/employer uniqueness, assess where and how they can help and if it’s a match between skill, product, and need. We’re in business for a job for that matter.

Once you have the job though, it’s pretty simple. You go to work; you go home; you get paid. Yes, I realize sometimes the balance between the three goes askew and there are people who work their tails off and don’t get paid equivocally. That’s another issue. The entrepreneur however, gets the job, acknowledges the job (hopefully with a little note), performs the task, thanks the customer, asks for feedback and a referral then spends time assessing the process and does the paperwork. Oh, and guess what? You’ll need to go job hunting again tomorrow!

And so we should. How will we ever keep up with market trends, social changes and environmental issues by solely sitting at the computer or being fed information? Get out there and get it yourself. There is valuable information within networking that we can all take back to our jobs (bosses and clients alike). Keep networking; you need to see how well you’ll fit into your next job.

Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant, determines efficiencies for small businesses and simply gets the job done in her role as a virtual assistant. Her energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, and focus have lightened the load for many managers and entrepreneurs. Growing a small business requires a team where each member does what he or she does best. Jennifer creates an opportunity for small businesses to grow their business while supporting their existing business. She can be reached at jennifer@thenimbleassistant.com.

Taking Networking to a Different Level

By Susan Regier

Imagine…being in a room filled with nearly 400 women (and a few men) – talking, shopping, and simply having a good time. And all the while, you’re making new connections with each introduction. Think of the possibilities – and the opportunities.

This is what happened last month when three good friends decided to do something they had never attempted. Often, ideas such as “wouldn’t it be great if…” or “you know, we really should…” are tossed around in social settings but these thoughts soon fizzle as the real world takes over.

While chatting over glasses of wine, the friends came up with a simple idea of what women really like: drinking wine, shopping, and having fun with their sisters…and then set a plan in motion to combine these elements, creating the successful venture: Wine, Women & Shopping, a unique shopping experience to celebrate sisterhood.

Now don’t get me wrong, this extraordinary event didn’t happen overnight – or over one glass of wine. It took more than a year of planning and reaching out to friends, business associates, and networking contacts. And we have had fun planning it and watching it breathe life.

The three friends included Nancy Kirwin, an insurance agent; Jennifer Murray, The Nimble Assistant, a virtual assistant; and Sue Regier (that’s me), head writer with Vantage One Writing and publisher of Networking Today. Three good friends, three completely different fields of work, and three diverse – and extensive – contact lists. We came together with one goal in mind – to help our sisters in need. Mix these elements together and you have a powerful force to be reckoned with.

At times, our sisters in need included one of us – on a revolving basis. Everyone experiences major upheavals in life and they can’t be put on hold because you’re planning a special event. Because of our “sisterhood” and our focus, we were able to help each other through some of the toughest moments of our lives this past year and get back on track. You could say, Wine, Women & Shopping helped the three of us to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of adversity.

And at times, we faced outside negativity. We were told that it would take two to three years to sell out an event of this caliber in our city. But the person who said that did not understand our networking talents. We quickly exceeded our original goal of 200 attendees, found more seats, and once again sold out fast…and the requests for tickets kept coming.

We chose to create a fundraising event to help My Sisters’ Place, a transitional support centre in London, Ontario for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. (Click here for more information on My Sisters’ Place.) We used our media contacts for free publicity (including this Web site) and then it was word of mouth promotion through our networks to get the ball rolling.

In the words of Janet Christensen, one attendee, “Not only did you help My Sisters’ Place, you demonstrated the power of intention and collaboration and hopefully inspired some other people to take action.”

All it takes is an idea. Talk to your friends and business associates, find a good cause, and watch the ball roll. It’s a great way to increase your circle of connections, which is how business grows…and you’ll be doing something to give back to your community. But always keep in mind the main ingredients for success – be passionate about what you’re doing and have fun along the journey.

Take some time to sit and enjoy a glass of wine with your friends – you never know what may transpire.

Susan Regier is the publisher/editor of Networking Today and owner of Vantage One Writing, a professional writing service for businesses. (519) 471-8726 Email: regiers@vantageone.ca Web site: www.vantageone.ca

Your Business…Your Baby

By Jennifer Murray

“When you love something

, you should let it go, and it will come back to you better and improved.” This quote not only applies to loved ones and relationships but also to your business.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners wear a multitude of hats – no doubt about it. And why do we want to do it all? For the same reason we don’t give up our children. Let’s parallel this for a minute.

You see, our children challenge us (first physically, then mentally) as do our businesses. In the beginning, we work long hours, change our sleep and eating routines, meet new people, and constantly question our judgment. Did I make the right decision? Should I have chosen a different supplier? We ask colleagues what they think about nearly every aspect until we get a little experience beneath our belt. Now think about first-time parents. There’s nothing like a baby to change these same things including our confidence in our personal lives.

As dependencies evolve (in both children and business), we begin to breathe again; feel the winds of success beneath us and we’re proud of the gamut we’ve survived. The first two years of life and the first two years of a small business are tough work and there should be a badge for survivors. Then it happens. You know it’s time to step back and get someone else involved.

For parents, this can mean daycare or the first day of school. Here’s the leap of faith I’m getting to: you know as a parent you can’t give your child everything. Teachers and other kids can contribute in ways you could not and your child will only benefit from other perspectives including individual strengths and weaknesses. This applies to your business, too.

How can you possibly expect your business to grow if you don’t open it up for more input, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses? The faith you need to build before you leap can be paralleled with the research you put into finding the right pre-school. You wouldn’t offer your child to the first person that comes along; nor should you open your business doors to the first offer of help. Human resource is a vast area of expertise that offers many studies and strategies for fit, motivation, and compensation. There’s a reason for professional designations in this field. People have a huge affect on a company that it should be given significant consideration.

As the most dedicated and motivated employee, your success equals the company’s success. Take time to determine your strengths and company goals before you’re desperate for help. Strategize where the best fit would be. How successful are you if you are stressed, and struggling between getting more work and getting the work done? How can you expect to grow without letting something go?

Most of us cannot grow another brain, arm, or leg. The best place to start looking for assistance is by sharing weekly routines you don’t feel are a good use of your time. Start small as a testing ground. This is important not only in assessing the skill and trust level of the person performing the work but it acts as a gauge of your communication capability.

The trick is finding a comfort zone for both of you. There are two extremes. The first is the micro-manager we all know and love. At the other end of spectrum is the person that doesn’t give specific instructions but expects the task-handler to simply know. Picture the caregiver sitting in the back of the kindergarten room “just in case” versus the parent not communicating his child’s special needs and promptly leaving upon delivery.

It is in your best interest to provide all the tools (including information) for the task to be completed successfully. It is in your assistant’s best interest to make sure she understands and asks clarifying questions to ensure her success, too. Only then will you both experience the power of “we” and your company will grow.

Once your comfort level has been established, and your mind-map changed, you will see other tasks that can be handed over. And there you go…your business-baby is graduating and incorporating a support system of its own. They are called friends in pre-school, and in business – associates, colleagues, and maybe even employees – and there you grow again!

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Jennifer Murray, founder of The Nimble Assistant, contributes to the growth and sustainability of small businesses through administrative support. By working smarter not harder, entrepreneurs are experiencing the “power of we” and growing their businesses. For a free brainstorming session on how The Nimble Assistant can contribute to your success email: info@TheNimbleAssistant.com or visit www.TheNimbleAsssitant.com for testimonials and examples.

Published in Networking Today, April 2007

Be a Substitute

By Jennifer Murray

We all know how important it is to network and get your face (and company) out there. It’s refreshing as a small business owner working from home to get out and learn about the businesses in my community as well as talk about what’s happening with my business.

It may feel weird (a good kind of weird) to be the new kid on the block or a new individual at a networking group. The good part is the attention of course, when the spotlight is in your corner; nothing more obvious than as a substitute for a regular attendee.

Referral groups in this city are abundant (see Networking Today’s Networking Groups). They can really work for certain businesses. Every Friday morning I start my day with The Networker$ and enjoy the membership as well as the referrals. We are committed to attend every meeting with the caveat that we send a replacement if we cannot; as is the case with most of these groups.

As a replacement, you promote the person you are presenting at a specific time often saving your own company commercial for later in the meeting. Regardless, you have opportunity to network with individuals you may not normally have access to. In the last edition of Networking Today, Maria Marsala, offered tips on discussion items at a business table over a meal (see Questions to Ask at a Meeting that Includes a Meal). Very useful information for networkers, especially those in a substitute position at a table of routine individuals. Embrace the spotlight and engage in the table conversation. You never know when you may call on the individuals at your table or vice versa.

To entrepreneurs looking for a replacement; create a path of success for your substitute. Here are some tips:

• Make sure the sub knows your sixty-second commercial (a written version is best).
  
  
• Provide an agenda of the session (include when the networking should happen).
  
  
• Set out any rules of the group pertinent to the agenda (especially when she can talk about her business).
  
  
• If available, share the group’s Web site address for reference.
  
  
• Let her know if you want feedback on the session.

Being a substitute is fun. Most people are keen to talk about their business to a fresh pair of ears and subsequently to listen a little about what your work passion is. So, the next time someone asks you if you’re willing to substitute for a 7:00 a.m. networking meeting don’t think of the hour, think of all those people you didn’t even know are up and about all ready.

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Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant is a virtual assistant providing administrative services to small businesses in Middlesex County. With eight years of experience and being able to manage multiple tasks with various schedules, Jennifer provides proficiency in a range of office services. Visit www.TheNimbleAssistant.com for more details.

Published in Networking Today, August, 2006

Get Involved …with your Competitors!

By Jennifer Murray

We all need a helping hand once in a while. Sometimes we don’t realize that we need it until help has been delivered. I believe in the abundance theory – we only need to tap into what others have to offer. So, how do we get there? How do we know? Keep it simple. JUST ASK.

Having recently attended a training program for small business, I decided that I was going to make the best of what was offered. The program had wonderful information and knowledge. The experts were there for an obvious reason as well. Their expertise is in their own personal journeys and experiences available in glorious abundance! They all want to help and see us succeed!

On the first day, I shared an observation and then asked a question with the woman sitting beside me. “Can you believe each person here has a business idea to better their lives and others? How exciting! What is your business idea?” You can imagine the chuckle we both had upon discovering our mutual business idea. So much for taking the world by storm, however, this is where the help part comes in.

Instead of recoiling into our corners of competition we talked about our skills and how we were presenting our business to the world. It was amazing work. We HELPED each other. The abundance theory at work – there’s enough for everyone.

Yes, there is some overlap but it turns out there are significant differences between our expertise and having someone we can refer our customers to is invaluable. How many entrepreneurs have the opportunity to work along side their competitors and watch their businesses develop? How many entrepreneurs see those in their industry through the many business decision-making processes and get a glimpse of what the person is about? Since then, we have collaborated on a new networking group for our industry and plan on referring clients in search of our complementary expertise.

I’m pleased with my new friend, business colleague, and competitor. We’re in this together and it’s good to know we’re not alone. A funny thing happens when you ask for help or advice; you can help others as well; usually in ways you never would have imagined.

Jennifer Murray, proprietor of The Nimble Assistant is a virtual assistant providing administrative services to small businesses in Middlesex County. With eight years of experience and being able to manage multiple tasks with various schedules, Jennifer provides proficiency in a range of office services. Visit www.TheNimbleAssistant.com for more details. Published in Networking Today, July, 2006