Small Talk

I once had a person I worked with tell me small talk was useless; I couldn't disagree more. Small talk can set the base of a future relationship. You can learn a lot about a person from small talk. If you are meeting someone for the first time, what is wrong talking about the weather before you dive into a conversation? If you can't make small talk with someone, how can you carry on a conversation? 

Social Media has changed small talk in today's world, what do you think Twitter, Instagram or Twitter are. 

I have tons of small talk conversations every day from the grocery clerk to someone I'm trying to do business with. I treat every conversation the way I treat every person, which is equal. Never forget that you never know who you are talking to. 

Have a great day 

Falling Up

Don't panic, get overwhelmed or feel that things are over your head. The first step is to get all the knowledge you can about the problem or situation and make the most informed decision possible. Your next step and the most important step is to reach out to your network. There's a high probability that your colleagues or mentors have come across this problem in the past. Take what they tell you, use it or put your own spin on it. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. 

Always expand your network. Go to industry conferences and talk to as many people as you can. Try to hand out and get over 100 cards. Once you get these cards follow up with them and stay in touch. Your knowledge is only as good as your network. 

My Reflection

Over the holidays I was reflecting on some of my past achievements, jobs and if I would have done anything differently. I would have changed a few situations on how I treated people, but I realized that I had been one lucky person. I believe working smart and being an honest person opens a lot of doors. 

Over the past 30 years, I worked for people, I have partnered with people and owned my own companies. I realized how important the people around you are. Your business partners, employees, and associates are all critical to your success. You have to believe in them, and your vision must be the same because if it is not, there could be issues. 

Being open, honest and saying what's on your mind is key to having tough business conversations. I remember endless discussions that started out one way, pivoted and we came up with something we never imagined. Listening to everyone around the table took an idea, which is a starting point, into a vision we never thought possible. 

I want to thank all the people that had a significant influence on my life. I have been taking these lessons and sharing them with my clients, and I could not be happier. Nothing gives me more gratification than helping someone grow and succeed. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic 2018.