There are many definitions of the word compassion.

Typically we think of empathy, or pity, or caring.

For the purposes of this post however, simply break the word into it’s parts:

Com (together) + Passion (any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling)

How are you sharing passion together with others?

Are you sharing in their passion?

Are you sharing your passion with them?

Passion is a powerful thing. It provides the fuel for what you do.

COMpassion is like rocket fuel!

When you share your passion, and share the passion of another, you truly add value to them and to you.

How can you share in the passion of another today?

Whether you sell widgets, or  provide a service to others, you can always connect with your passion, and connect with that of another.

Being passionate about connecting with others, and caring about their passions builds relationships, and fulfills them and you. The value of that will often lead to monetary value,

but it is ALWAYS priceless.

Compassion and Business by HeatherO

I meet people every day who think they “get it”. Social networking, facebook for business, email, and the rest. It’s all a bit of a new “frontier”. Being “genuine and authentic” is all the rage. People nod their head when you talk about it, they believe they are doing it, they are even teaching it! But most really don’t!
The truth is, the fundamental philosophy of it all is just that…a philosophy, a belief system, a way of being. Authenticity is about being who you really are, and being sincere and real. The “rules of engagement” in social media say that you don’t “spam” and you don’t “push”. You are developing relationships. It’s about giving to others and accepting their gifts. People are always asking me “am I allowed to…”

Here’s the deal…it’s not about pushing the envelope of what’s “allowed”, it’s not about pushing or even about what’s “allowed” at all. Social networking is about creating relationships. It’s about developing friendships, and getting to know people, and helping others and then doing business with them because you like them! It’s that simple! For many years in my real estate practice I followed the belief system and practice of NOT doing what everybody else in my industry (myself included) had been trained to do. Get the biggest “list” you can and get your name in front of them as many times as you could! Go to events & meet people & shove your business card at them. “Hi, nice to meet you, here’s my card! Now send me business!” Luckily, I learned that a small group of “raving fans” would send me more business, and better business than a huge group of strangers that I constantly had to “go after”. This concept has now become the “new way” and it’s called “social networking”.

Unfortunately, many people are still locked into that “old school” mentality, and are trying to apply it to social media. Sorry guys, that doesn’t work! I actually attended a class recently where the presenter actually instructed the attendees to use facebook and twitter to “get as many friends and followers as possible to drive them to your website”. I was horrified! In fact, I posted about it on twitter and the overwhelming response was that “she should be burned at the stake!” That WILL get a message to a lot of people! A really BAD one!

The truth is, many people believe that works because it “used to”. I’m not so sure how well it “used to” but it definitely doesn’t now! The reason the “new way” is so successful is because, well…the old way sucked! Hate that word, but it’s true. It ticked people off! AND as people become more accustomed to the “new way”, the old way will irritate them even more than it did before!

If this is you, read “Who Moved My Cheese”! Because your cheese has been moved my friend! If you keep going the same way looking for it, you will become one hungry little mouse!
Next, I highly recommend “The Go Giver”. Both are very short, easy reads (& the Go Giver will change your life!), and you CAN make the time to devote a few hours to creating a better life and more profitable business, can’t you?!

So what is the “new way” in a nutshell? How do you know if you’re doing something “the right way”?
The same way you’ve always known! The same way you have always treated your personal friends & family!

1. Ask yourself “Am I being a rainy day friend?”
In your personal life, how have you been taught to treat people? How do you treat a friend? Do you miss their last 3 parties and then show up at the 4th just long enough to drop off some brochures or flyers? Do you NEVER call or visit (read: post on their wall, ask them how they are, etc) and then “show up” only to post your latest sale or event? I have “friends” on facebook that NEVER post anything about anything except their flyers, biz blog posts, etc. Funny thing is, they used to be my friends! I used to like them! Now I see them as completely selfish, and self serving!

2. Ask yourself “does this benefit them or me? is this something that they would ask for if they knew to? does this have value to THEM?” Just because it’s important to you that the world read your press release, or new blog, doesn’t mean it has value to them! Just because they trusted you with their email address, or enough to “accept you as a friend”, doesn’t give you the right to shove stuff it in their space! Unless they want or need it and asked for it! If it’s not relevant to them, don’t send it! Many times we don’t think about it! I’ve had many people here ask me to “let them know” when I’m having another class on something. So I have emailed all of my “friends” when I scheduled a class. Then I realized that I had added some new friends that DIDN’T ask for that! So now I don’t do it!

3. Is this something that they would expect from me?
If I sign up for your newsletter on marketing for example, that doesn’t mean I want information on your next seminar, or your latest video, or your daughter’s jewelry party! I didn’t sign up for that! If it’s not what I anticipated when I “signed up”, don’t send it! If I am a “friend” (not a business associate) that you believe would really want to come to your party, mail me an invitation. That’s right! Snail mail! OR send me a direct personal email. Don’t blast me because it’s easy. If I am important to you, and you believe I will find what you are sending valuable, and you really want to help me, you will find it worth the time to send me a personal invitation. If you think that I would find it “weird” to receive a hand written invite from you in the mail, then I’m probably going to perceive your email as spam!

4. Use your blog for your message. Use twitter (it is a micro blog after all). Use your newsletter. Use a vehicle that people have the opportunity to “ask for”. If I follow you on twitter, or sign up for your newsletter or blogfeed, I have signed up to receive your information. Now make sure it’s relevant! If your blog is about marketing, make sure you post about marketing. If your twitter bio and posts tell me that you post about organic living, and I choose to follow you, then I “signed up for that”. Yes do post about your kids or dog or whatever is important to you. If you would talk to a friend about it, go ahead! If I sign up to “be your friend” because I think you’re pretty cool, you like stuff I like, talk about stuff I’m interested in, and you are a positive person and you suddenly stop being that person, and start posting only your next sale, speaking event, juice opportunity or whatever, just know, I can and will stop following!

5. If you’re thinking “But I don’t want friends! I want business!” Read the Go-Giver again! And remember, people buy what they want from whom they like! There are a million places to buy what you sell. Given the opportunity to buy it from a friend, they will. You get to choose whether it will be you!

Remember:
Ask yourself “how would this look in real life (offline)?”
The best way to have a friend is to be one!
Give first! Always!
Be anticipated, personal and relevant.

“those who are willing to change and learn will inherit the earth. Those who are not, will inherit a world that no longer exists!” ~Paul Martinelli

All of the above of course, is my “humble opinion”. Your comments are welcome and appreciated!

For more information or to learn more about how to use social networking for business, contact me here or at http://www.socostudio.biz. Take a class with us, or somewhere else!

I have recently pondered and discussed the whole “Business Networking scene” as it relates to “old ways” vs. “new ways”. Traditionally The Local Chamber of Commerce was the primary (in some cases the only) way to “network” in an organized business to business environment. In most places you also had “BNI” or Business Networking International groups. Only one person was allowed per profession, and you were “required” to send referrals to other members of the group. Now, there seems to be a “meetup” group for everything imaginable. That tells me two things: 1. people are craving a “tribe” to belong to (to use Seth Godin’s word!). They want to connect with like-minded people. 2. the existing “groups” aren’t meeting the need. Number two could be because every group on the planet (seems like) already has a “juice rep, real estate agent, mortgage broker, etc”, and/or it could be that many people do participate in these groups, but there is “something missing”. In many ways I see a parallel to the changes that we are seeing in the world as a whole, at least in terms of business, marketing and networking. The “old way” was push push push. Build your list, spam everyone who has trusted you with their email address, and drive people to your website that says “buy now!” The same thing happens at many “Business Networking” events. “Hi, nice to meet you. Here is my business card. Give me your business and your referrals.” This is the way it has “always been done”, and most folks have just adapted to this as the accepted culture or “standard practice”. The problem is, if I show up a breakfast and hear your “elevator speech”, I may know what you do (or not because most people give too many choices!)and what you “want from me” (this type of referral), but I have no idea whether I even like you yet! In many cases, I won’t get to know you even after many of these, because it’s all about “what you do” at these things, not “who you are”. The “new way” of marketing and networking, actually work in tandem. “Social Networking” is all the buzz! Many business people are still unsure of what it means, how to use it, and whether they should. I can tell you this: the consumer is! It has become “the new way” for one very strong reason… they hated the old way! Period. They hated (and still do) being spammed. Just because they signed up for your free download, did not mean that they “gave you the right” to push whatever YOU wanted them to see on them and their inbox. Knowing that you sell widgets for X price did them no good unless they knew that they wanted a widget and why. In many cases, there are “zillions” of people offering services and products via the internet. They want someone (YOU) to give them a “reason” to choose YOU. In most cases it isn’t “price” that decides, it’s a “connection”. They are desperately searching for something to make their choice easy. One that will stand out from the crowd of choices. That could be that you are really smart, caring, funny, like dogs, went to the same college, etc. You get the idea. We love Inside919.com (as others love their insideareacode.com) because it is a place where we as business owners can get to know each other without being “fire-hosed” with business cards, elevator speeches, brochures or spam. We can read about each other, and get to know each others interests, business, hobbies, etc. We can then meet at functions with no need for an “ice breaker” because we already feel like we know each other. If we like each other, we will look for ways to do business together, or support each other, or to send referrals (without being obligated to!) The consumer loves blogs because it gives them the opportunity to decide whether they like you, whether what you say is relevant to them, and they get to choose to receive more of what you say via an RSS feed, or by coming back (at their own time, on their own terms!) The consumer likes Linkedin because is gives them some confidence that you are “credible” by enabling them to “check out your professional profile”. The consumer loves facebook because most people are still “using it for personal use”. This means they get to see the “real you”. They can get to know you, see what you like, what you like to do, etc. Again, it helps them to make a connection with you. Some in business are beginning to fake it on facebook, by trying to just get business without adding value. That will not only not work, but will backfire completely and create resentment instead (because you don’t “treat friends that way!”). The consumer is rapidly LOVING twitter because they can get to know you, what your interests are, and how you interact with others (not just friends, not just clients, not just peers, etc). Not only can prospective client find out more about you here, but twitter actually pulls new ones to you too. In fact, twitter will pull more people to you than you can imagine. Without looking for you, people all over the world, from every social, economic or other status can just “get to know you” and then decide if they have a need for what you offer. How this is impacting, and will impact the Chambers and other groups remains to be seen. My guess is that they will have to adapt quickly! These groups are often expensive, and some don’t really offer their members anything more than a few monthly opportunities to get “face time” with other local business owners. We can now get that in many other ways, and places for free. Many of these groups have great people, good intentions and even have staffs that work really hard. But their “cheese is moving”, and just like they rest of us, they will have to decide whether they are willing to move too. IMHO(In my humble opinion)…

Are you considering starting a new business? Would you be if “they” weren’t telling you that you are crazy?
My husband and I recently launched a new business. I have to admit that it wasn’t exactly “on purpose”, but through a chain of events (that I call “divine intervention”).
“Everyone” told us that we should “get a job”. This is the worse time to start a business, “there will be plenty of time for your dreams later”, blah, blah, blah.
Fortunately, we chose to do it anyway! Whether you are wondering if you should start a business, or stay in your business, here are a few tips that will help!

1. Seek & Find:
For many, this “recession” is the opportunity of a lifetime! If you ever lamented during the real estate or stock market boom that you “missed out on the great deals”, congratulations! Here’s a “second chance”! Many people who have lost their jobs, hated them anyway! You CAN CHOOSE whether to make this “the best thing that ever happened or the worst!”
Some of the greatest and most successful companies were started during the depression, and recessions! Look for and find information to support what you are doing. You can look for discouraging news or encouraging! Both are out there. You will always find what you are looking for!
“Why to start a business during a recession”
Recently laid off? Here’s a good one:
Grateful They Were Canned

2. Tweak Your Product
Look at what you are planning to do (or are currently doing) and think about how it can help others during this time. Can you provide a product or service that provides people an affordable alternative to what is out there? I don’t mean “slash your prices” necessarily. I do mean offer smaller items, smaller portions or “value packages”.

3. Supportive People
Surround yourself with positive people. Period!
This is one of THE most important! There are a lot of “dream stealers” out there! They don’t mean to, but for many reasons, Sadly there are a lot of people who live in a self created world of “impossibility” mostly due to years of “negative programming” by other “can’t do people”! Some just don’t believe they can live their own dreams and don’t want others to succeed because they would then have to face the truth that they could too! This can be difficult. Especially when the naysayers are family and friends. I speak from experience when I say that you can tell them “You aren’t helping me. I need people to love and support, and believe in me right now”. If they truly love you (or are a true friend), they will understand. If they don’t…you know the answer! ( I lost my “best friend” this way and trust me, it’s hard, but the best thing for you!). You CAN hang up the phone, not answer the phone, not watch the news, etc.
Bottom line: there are a lot of “negative voices out there”, make sure you have enough positive ones to drown them out! (this includes your own!)

4. Supportive Surroundings & Systems:
Do whatever you can to stay focused! Use systems, schedules and lists to be productive! Every day WRITE down your purpose for that day (This is not your “to do” list).
Systems: Have a “ta da” list! For me this creates a visualization of how great I will feel after I accomplish what I need to do, not the dread of a long list of tasks.
Surroundings: Look around you! If you are surrounded by clutter, etc. Clean it up! Create a space that makes you feel “on top of things!”. This may just be a small corner, or closet! Check to see if there is a coworking space in your area. Most are very affordable places that you can go and get around other like-minded people and feel like a “business person” not a “wanna be”. I cannot stress the value of this enough! If you’re thinking “I can’t afford it”, I would say you can’t afford not to! You WILL be more successful and get more business! (Increased success of startups at Affinity Lab). If there isn’t one in your area, go to networking events and meet folks that would like to start a “jelly”

5. Take classes, go to networking events, & LEARN! Nothing will boost your confidence more than learning something new! Guaranteed! I highly recommend reading books, magazines and other materials, but nothing takes the place of getting around other human beings and learning with and from them! (If you are out of work, or business is down, you have the time!)

7. What’s your “Claim to fame?”
This is the first thing I ask potential clients. Many don’t even know! There are zillions of consultants, sales reps, etc. out there. Why should anyone choose you? In most cases this means “focus on a very specific niche”. This scares most people. They are terrified of leaving money on the table by not targeting the whole planet. I promise, when you dilute your message, you dilute your profits!

8. Marketing and Branding
This is a “biggie”. Everyone says they can’t “afford to…” Again, can you afford not to? When everyone else is pulling back on marketing, it’s MUCH easier (& cheaper) to get your message out there! Make sure your message is clear and consistent though! A strong brand will always save you money in marketing! Always! It will make a stronger, longer impression. If money is tight, find someone to help you with your brand first and then be strategic in getting out there in an effective and affordable way.

9. Use Social Media/Social Networking
This is one of the most effective ways and affordable ways to build your business with a little time and little or no money. MAKE SURE you do it right though! Take the time to research, take classes and learn about how to use them! I recommend facebook, twitter, linkedin and inside area codes. (You DO have time! In fact, when you don’t have an abundance of money is usually when you have the most abundance of time!). Go to networking events, social events and anywhere else you can meet new people! Most are free and you make connections with prospective clients, people who can help you, and add more “#3′s” (supportive people) to your life!

10. Last but not least! Have faith and be grateful! Yeah, I know that sound frivolous, but I can guarantee you won’t “make it” any other way! You absolutely will not succeed at anything if you don’t believe you can. Write down affirmations/ have someone you can call when you start to have doubts. Start and end every day with “I am grateful for….” and I absolutely promise you that you will have more to be grateful for!