Bridges Edition of 9/8/2005

Welcome to Bridges, a monthly newsletter published by Robin Fogel,
Performance Enhancement and Career Coach. My goal is that this newsletter be filled with practical information that you can use in your work and in your life. If you enjoyed the newsletter please forward it to your colleagues, friends and family.

If you would like to take advantage of an executive coach, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com and/or visit my website - www.coachrobinfogel.com

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THE VALUE OF HAVING A NETWORK
Happy September. I have always thought of September as a month of new beginnings - kids returning to school, business picking up after a summer lull, projects to tackle with renewed energy. After the slower pace of summer many of the professional and business organizations also return to full operation. Come fall, mailboxes are filled with flyers for networking events.

Donna Fisher, one of the authors of "Power Networking", has written that "networking has many benefits...most important is that it is an efficient way to accomplish big goals." She wrote, "a referral generates 80 percent more results than a cold call, that approximately 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking, and that most people have at least 250 contacts."

Often when I work with clients we focus on the power of networking. Yet many people tell me they are uncomfortable with the concept of networking. Yes, networking can be about business referrals or finding a job, but it is much more. How many parents do you know that use the power of networking to find a babysitter by asking friends and family for recommendations. They want to be sure that the person they leave their family with is reliable. How often do you ask friends and colleagues for a personal referral when looking to find a doctor? What about at the office or your business? Are you more likely to hire a consultant that has come with the personal recommendation from someone you trust? None of us is totally self-sufficient. Learn to recognize the reciprocal nature of networks. What information or knowledge do you have that you can share with members of your network? When you really need it - whether for a new job, new client, or to find a key piece of information - have that network in place. And when colleague or client has a request, become the well-connected person who can offer assistance.

Next month I'll focus on what you need to do to build a network.

In passing, some feedback from a former client..."coaching opened me to the power of networking. It made me realize how much power and choice I have in what I want to achieve."
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UPCOMING PROGRAM
On September 28, 2005 I'll be offering a program for the Greater Mercer Chamber of Commerce Business Forum called the Art of the Introduction. When you first meet someone you have 15 seconds to introduce yourself, to make an impression. What do you say when you are asked what you do? Come out and learn how to deliver an effective "elevator speech". Contact the Chamber at 609-393-4143 for information and to register.

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PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT COACHING

What is Performance Enhancement Coaching? It's how I can help you or your company be more effective. Performance enhancement coaching allows you or your employee to develop specified skill areas faster. Communication, leadership, team building, and being better organized are only a few areas that can be developed. You benefit because the employee is ready for expanded responsibilities sooner. The employee benefits and is delighted because you have demonstrated that you value them and view them as a key leader in your organization. It improves the bottom line.

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FINAL THOUGHT OR TWO
The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people. - Theodore Roosevelt

The person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused.
- Shirley Maclaine

I appreciate your comments and feedback on this newsletter, please keep them coming. If there is a topic you would like to hear more about, email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com
COPYRIGHT: 2005, Robin Fogel & Assoc., LLC. All Rights Reserved. May be distributed and reprinted in its entirety with copyright, subscription instructions, and contact information intact. However, you may not copy it to a website.