The Connect and “Barf” Method Rarely Works!
I love to discuss this scenario when speaking about networking with anyone who is interested in hearing my take….
You are at an after work business mixer – a cocktail party per se. You meet somebody for the first time, shake hands and exchange business cards. What would their body language be, and what would they say if the next thing you did was try and sell them something?
So why do so many people think this is ok to do when connecting online?
I could rattle off many examples when this has happened to me. I am stunned and bewildered every time. I am now less and less surprised because it is becoming more prevalent online.
Relationships take time to develop, and people typically only purchase from those that they know, like and trust.
Somebody can’t possibly have a hot clue what you are all about after you have just said “hello”. Most people would think you were an alien trying to connect for the first time offering your products and/or services.
- Thank people for connecting when they confirm your “request to connect” via social media
- Provide value
- Get to know them, and actually listen to them
- Connect them with like-minded people in your network
People will see right through you if you are only in this to sell. But if you put the focus on them, and show that you actually care about building long-term relationships, you will be much more successful when it comes time to present your offer.
Don’t just “barf”. That is just plain lazy!
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The Story Of “The Grinder”!
I heard the phrase “are you grinding it out” yesterday and it inspired this post!
The grinder was never a superstar at any sport as a kid, but what they lacked in talent, they more than made up for in heart and desire
The grinder had trouble maintaining their “A” and “B” grades from highschool in university, even failing one course!
The grinder, while firmly established in their career, was let go from a job
The grinder had several jobs over a few year period, struggling to find the right fit
The grinder was inspired one day, to pick up a pen and started to write
The grinder finally took a leap of faith after many months and started a blog
The grinder dove deep in to their profession and researched heavily in the internet marketing space
The grinder started to connect with incredible people online via social media one by one, day by day. They kept moving forward using the mantra “A Little Bit Every Day”
The grinder struggled with the demands of a day job, a busy family life and extra curricular activities; but still often made time to write and develop their network
The grinder like most people, has good days and bad days, but refuses to give up; keeps moving forward and constantly reminds themselves how close they are to their goals
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success” – Thomas Edison
The grinder is me, and I am proud to say that I refuse to give up or take steps backwards. Some days are better than others, but I constantly remind myself how badly I want it!
- Are you a grinder, or do you need to start grinding it out?
- Are you moving forward, or have you recently taken steps back further from your goals?
- Do you have a “don’t quit” mentality, or are you sabotaging your thoughts with “well I guess this is all I am meant to do in life”?
Keep fighting, keep connecting with incredible people, keep being inspired and having fun!
YOU ARE closer than you think 🙂
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Getting To Know Tim!
This is a repost of my first blog entry on January 23, 2012! I have many new followers, so this is a great opportunity to get to know me a little better!
My name is Tim Mushey, and those who know me well call me “Moosh”. I have decided to start this blog with a “Get to Know Me” post so you will be able to understand where the inspiration for this content came from!
I have loved to lead, motivate and inspire others for as long as I can remember. I have often been told that I have the gift of gab, and always have something to say. One of my groomsmen described me best to the guests at my wedding,
“All you have to do is say hi to Tim on the phone or in person, and next thing you know, you have all the updates on the latest TV shows, sporting events, bands and current events. Speaking to him is like flipping channels with a remote control.”
And he’s right! I’m passionate about many things in life – music, sports, my family, friends and work – and I love to share information with everyone! I believe that if I had not battled a stuttering problem all of my life, I would have a career in TV sports broadcasting in some capacity. I often envisioned myself as a sports anchor growing up!
As the son of two teachers, education has always been important to me. I achieved a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree at the age of 22, and with my first “real job”, was managing a car rental branch by the age of 24. I took a little break after two and a half years in that fast paced business to travel to Australia and New Zealand. I was nervous leaving my family and friends, but a good friend of mine quit his job to do the same thing a few months before, and I thought that was an incredible idea! I ended up travelling for over 7 months, and the experience was better than I could have ever imagined. I made many life long friends from all over the world on that journey, and even managed to squeeze in some work experience selling encyclopedias – true story!
When I returned home in 1999, my career path lead me to outside sales and I have never looked back. It did not matter if I was selling mattresses, credit reports, electrical products, corporate parking programs or photocopiers, there was one commonality – I loved to sell! I had an exciting opportunity to manage a team of 10 reps and support staff with about 40% coverage of Canada in 2007, but changes occurred simultaneously within the organization, and I ended up declining the offer. To this day, I think back to what might have been, but deep down I know I made the right decision for my career and family. Being a Sales Manager was my dream job for many years.
Throughout the years since I completed my degree, I’ve realized that university was just the beginning of my education. So much of my success in sales didn’t come from what I’d read in text books, it has come from what I have learned in the field. Each role, and each account specifically has challenged me to grow each day. I have a wealth of knowledge, tools & systems that I am eager to share with others in sales, and those considering it as their profession in the future.
The internet has provided me with the ability to broadcast all over the world now. If I had affected lives in my own communities over the course of my life, why could I not affect lives everywhere in the future? I have learned to manage my stutter, and even though I still have to work on it daily, I am now ready to get in front of the camera, feel confident, and once and for all lose the words “self-conscious” from my vocabulary!
I hope you enjoy this blog. It truly comes from the heart, and was an absolute pleasure being involved in all aspects of its creation and its ever-changing content going forward!
Let’s Connect!
Saturday Music Memories – RadioActive WOW!!
There are not a lot of bands today that make me stop in my tracks. Imagine Dragons are one of them.
Their performance of Radioactive on the Grammy’s was awesome. So was this one from last week on Saturday Night Live featuring Lamar Kendrick.
Enjoy!
The Five Star 5 – How Do You Relax?
We all get busy running around like crazy, and sometimes forget to kick back and do things that we love to do!
Remember, if an oxygen mask ever popped down on an airplane, you should put yours on first 🙂
You need to take care of yourself before even attempting to help others.
How do you relax and unwind?
For me, I love to:
- Workout and run
- Read books
- Search for rare music videos on YouTube
- Play recreational hockey
- Hang out with my family
“Better learn balance. Balance is key.” – Mr. Miyagi
If you need a little more “balance” in your life, why not start today?
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
What’s Your “Edge”?
When I started my online journey several years ago I battled uncertainty and doubt early on. Thoughts regularly came up like:
- So many other people are already excelling in (insert niche)
- What could I possibly share that hasn’t been discussed before?
- What value could a newcomer like myself bring to the “party”?
Over time as I gained momentum and started to feel pretty good about things, I certainly realized that I had an “Edge”.
The “Edge” was me. It is specific to my brand and business. No one person is exactly the same as me, nor will my business be exactly the same as anyone else’s.
You have an opportunity to do FANTASTIC things!
- Let your personality shine. Allow your audience in to your life a bit. Show them who you really are
- If you are funny by nature, add some humour to your work, but don’t force it
- Be creative with your content, and do some “outside-of-the-box” things that your audience will start to expect
- Be you – it is what you know best
- Be humble, grateful, helpful, accommodating and go-to resource in your niche
Do you want to take your “Edge” to another level? NEVER EVER stop learning!
Check out these 5-Star resources that help me move my business forward every day:
Social Media
- “Jab Jab Jab Right Hook” by Gary Vaynerchuk http://bit.ly/18kORAY
Ebooks
- “Ebooks The Smart Way” by Pat Flynn http://bit.ly/1fsJzlx
Writing
- “Copy Blogger” by Brian Clark http://bit.ly/1nQnSSC
Podcasting
- “Podcast Answer Man” by Cliff Ravenscraft http://bit.ly/1aqesJQ
Awesomeness (Personal Branding)
- “Nametag Scott” by Scott Ginsberg http://bit.ly/1fZvhtj
- If you feel stuck and need a bit of a push, let me know – I am here to help!
- If you have overcome obstacles lately and now feel better about things, let us know the good news!
Would love if you commented and shared your stories (or you can always email me at TimMushey@gmail.com)
NFL Super Bowl XLVIII – What Inspires Victory?
As the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII quickly approaches, I cannot help but think what is going through the player’s heads on the day of the big game. There are so many reasons why they want to win, and that bit of emotional inspiration can make all the difference!
I always think about O.J. Brigance on a day like today, and how he inspired the Baltimore Ravens to do great things, especially win the Super Bowl last year!
I have followed his career since it started up here in Canada in the early 1990’s and flourished later in Baltimore all those years ago. He now has a battle on his hands every day fighting ALS, but maintains a positive attitude beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.
At the end of the day, the Super Bowl is just a game; a celebration of two very good teams, and it will be a great experience for everyone involved, win or lose. O.J. Brigance helps me keep it all in perspective, and hopefully you too.
Please watch the attached video, and read the article below:
You can check him out at:
Saturday Music Memories – Long Live Rock And Roll!
“Long Live Rock And Roll” is a new Daughtry track and it is AWESOME! There are over 20 references to musicians/bands!
I have listened to it 20+ times this week!
Four important questions need to be answered after you have a look/listen:
- Billy Joel or Elton John?
- The Beatles or The Stones?
(and for the rockers)…… wait for it:
- Guns N’ Roses or Motley Crue?
- Van Halen (with David Lee Roth) or Van Halen with (Sammy Hagar)?
Come chat music with us at our LinkedIn group too – The Daily Music Sanctuary!
Have a fantastic weekend and kick back and enjoy some great music!
Have A Laugh Fridays – My All Time Favourite!
Terry Tate gets me every time!
Have a fantastic weekend.
Sell, Lead, Succeed! 