Red Feather Networking Archives - Red Feather Networking, LLC

Ann Farmer- RFN Photo Quote Contest Winner

Posted by Michele Lawson on Nov 12, 2012 | 0 comments

Each month, Red Feather Networking hosts a photo quote contest. We place a photo on our Facebook page and invite everyone to post a suggested quote. The winner of the contest gets their quote mounted on the photo where it is featured on our Facebook page, Pinterest page, Twitter account and on our website. Come "LIKE" us on Facebook so you don't miss the next contest – who knows – you may be featured here next month!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ann Farmer, our November Photo Quote Contest Winner. Show your support for Ann by retweeting, repinning, and sharing her winning submission.

Introducing Yourself – Take A Lesson From A Caveman

Posted by Michele Lawson on Jul 9, 2012 | 0 comments

Recently, a friend of mine went to a class reunion where she took a couple hundred photos of the event. She posted the pictures on her Facebook page so that the attendees could all share in the memories, make comments and repost on their own Facebook page. Since we are both into photography and editing I decided to look through the photos one day. I found myself asking her “Who is this lady” or “What does he do for a living”? While I knew no one in the photos it dawned on me that I was drawn to ask only about certain people. Once I had this realization I had to analyze WHY. I started to imagine that I was walking into the room in each one of the photos. Who in that photo would I feel comfortable approaching and making a connection with – in other words – networking with? I did this exercise photo after photo after photo. Suddenly it became clear. I wasn’t drawn the person that was most well dressed or to a particular gender. I wasn’t drawn to someone because they looked “smart” or “pretty” or “laid back”. However, there was one thing that every one of the people I was drawn to had in common – they were SMILING!

Smiles are amazing things. Smiles are much more than just a facial expression. A smile can represent feelings and is a very powerful non-verbal form of communication. A genuine smile conveys confidence as well as putting people at ease. Patti Wood, in her post “Smile and the World Smiles with You” tells us that smiles go as far back as the cavemen. To quote Patti, “Though they did not attend a lot of cocktail parties where they needed to smile and make small talk, our caveman ancestors did run into other cavemen they did not know. So they smiled as they approached a stranger to say, “I am harmless. Don’t pick up your spear and kill me.” In fact, it is the oldest form of expression –to show a desire to cooperate. So even when the smile was a football field away, the caveman noticing his approaching knew the smile was safe and he shouldn’t be afraid.”

For RFN, the symbol of the “red feather” is just like us wearing our smiles on our name badges. It’s hard to smile 100% of the time while you are talking with others, eating/drinking or concentrating on a presenter. At conferences, Kelly and I always have a red feather in our badge holder. During the conference we encourage others who are open to meeting people, networking, welcoming the lone traveler into their fold, to do the same. When you see the red feather you know that the person donning it is a safe haven; someone you can approach and be welcomed with a smile and a handshake. This concept has allowed me, Kelly and all the other “feathers” to not only provide a place of security for others but it has also allowed us to make great personal and professional connections.

So the next time you are with a group at a function remember to smile. Your smile will shine as a warm welcome to others and you will find yourself with being rewarded with meeting some awesome people and quite possibly developing worldwide friendships that in many cases will be lifelong.

If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend and let me know by giving me virtual thumbs up either on Twitter at @chelelawson, emailing me at redfeathernetworking@gmail.com , or leaving me a comment on our Facebook page.

Thanks for reading~

Friday Fun Day: Group Me & Bump

Posted by redfeathernetworking on May 3, 2012 | 0 comments

We think Fridays should be fun, but unfortunately, it’s still a work day. To make your Friday just that much better, every week we’ll post a review of two apps. One app to help you get your work (or net-work) together, and one for just a bit of fun!

This coming week, the Red Feathers will be returning to the scene of where it all started, the ASTD International Conference and Exposition. Today's Friday Fun Day is lovingly dedicated to all of you. Special thanks to Austin who originally introduced us to Group Me, Dennis who reminded me to download Bump for the conference, and Sean for some of the humor in today's review.

Productivity App: Group Me
Platform: Android/iPhone/Blackberry/Desktop/SMS
Cost: Free

In a world of constant connectivity, we need an app that allows us to get even more connected! Group Me isn't just an app, it's a service that allows you to add up to 50 people to a texting group. Receive the texts as SMS messages or push them to app so you don't go over your wireless plan limit. Keep your networking fingers flying and share everything from pics of the perogies you can't stop eating to the last goodbye before you shut your eyes at night. Excellent for keeping your network close! Red Feather used and endorsed!

Productivity App: Bump
Platform: Android/iPhone
Cost: Free

This app has got to be the easiest way to trade contact information and photos that I have ever seen. Pull up the app and bump phones with another smartphone user who has the app. One bump and you're done! Bump your neighbors, bump your friends and even bump your co-workers (just not in front of HR!)

Happy Friday!

~ Kelly

Disclaimer: All apps appearing on Fun Day Fridays are apps that I’ve personally used on my Android or iPhone. I won’t review an app that I didn’t personally find useful, and I don’t get kickbacks if you click my links. These reviews are my own personal opinion and I make no guarantee on anything, particularly on my sense of humor!

Why Worry About Your LinkedIn Profile?

Posted by redfeathernetworking on Mar 12, 2012 | 0 comments

Photo courtesy of Fotocromo

Social media has begun the transition from a fad to anindelible part of our business culture. If you’re still in denial about thepower of LinkedIn, try these numbers on for size. According to a research studyconducted by the Job Board Doctor , 78% of HR andRecruiting Professionals surveyed reported using social media to find qualifiedjob candidates in 2011. Of those who used social media for recruitment, 92%used LinkedIn, with Facebook and Twitter tied for second place with about 65%each. The most important challenge these same recruiters reported facing? Alack of qualified applicants.

How could that be, with so many people using LinkedIn andsocial media? The problem is not the amount of people using social media, it’sthe amount of people who are using social media well. If you’re using socialmedia for business or professional purposes, you need to have a clearunderstanding of why you’re using it. Is your only purpose for using LinkedIn keepingtrack of old co-workers? Or are you trying to build an actual professional network?Are you job hunting or do you expect to be job hunting soon? Are you asalesperson looking for prospects? Or a small business owner looking forsuppliers? Once you clarify your purpose for being on the site, you can startto build a profile that will help you achieve that purpose.

No matter your reason for using LinkedIn, having a completeprofile that allows other users to find you is an important part of yourstrategy. Why? Because LinkedIn isn’t just the sites name. It’s also how thesite works. When you do a search on LinkedIn, you are not able to see fullresults from the entire LinkedIn user database. You are only allowed to seepeople who are connected to you through the people you’ve linked to (yournetwork), and a maximum of 100 people (out of network).

The people you link directly to are called your 1^stlevel connections. These are people that you know personally, or have haddirect contact with at some point. Each person they are connected to becomes a2^nd level connection to you. The people your 2^nd levelconnections are linked to, become your 3^rd level connections. 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rdlevel connections are free to contact through the site. Anyone further awaythan that requires an upgraded paid account, paying for InMail, an introductionvia a mutual connection, or knowing the person’s email address.

So the more people you link directly to, the more people youcan reach via LinkedIn. If the people that you know from high school, college,and past jobs can’t find you on LinkedIn because your profile isn’t complete,you are limiting the amount of recruiters, prospects, and business contacts whocan find you as well. So take some time to complete that LinkedIn profile. Onceyou’re open to linking, you never know what opportunities might come your way.

If you need help with your LinkedIn Profile, RFN is herewith a workshop for you. Create & Maximize Your LinkedIn® Profile is asmall, interactive online workshop led by Red Feather Kelly Phillips. Kellywill walk you step-by-step through creating or updating your profile, and willdo a personal review of your own LinkedIn profile after you’ve had a chance toapply what you’ve learned. Only $25! BONUS EBOOK! Sign up for the March 21st workshop and get an exclusive advance copy of RFN’s Guide to Rockin’ Your LinkedIn Profile for FREE!!!! Learn More or Register Today!

Making Lasting Connections – Is it all about the shoes?

Posted by Michele Lawson on Mar 3, 2012 | 0 comments

I want to talk about shoes for a minute. I know RFN is not a fashion blog, it’s a blog on networking, making connections, professionalism, social media and more. I’m sorry – for me it’s all about the shoes. I LOVE SHOES. I recently went on a four night trip and brought eight pairs of shoes. This is perfectly normal I might add. I am certainly not going to wear the same outfit in the evening that I did during the day so why would anyone assume that I would wear the same shoes?

So, what does my obsession with shoes have to do with anything RFN stands for? I will tell you.It’s all about being You. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about professionalism, networking, social gatherings or job interviews – be yourself. I talked a lot about being inside your comfort zone in my past blog posts. This can mean many things. I recently had dinner with a great group of people including Jim Knight of Hard Rock International. We talked about so many great topics that night, however one thing that Jim said really struck me. He said (and I’m paraphrasing so please forgive me Jim if I misquote you)…. “When employees can spend less time and energy worrying about covering their tattoos, or removing their piercings, or trying to simply fit in – then they can spend more time providing great customer service by just being themselves.” And it’s so true. In order to be yourself on the inside you need to feel like yourself on the outside.

I often think about those “makeover” shows. Sure the person looks amazing when they are done with the transformation. However are they really comfortable? And by comfortable I don’t mean sweat pants and t-shirts. I mean whatever defines your style. Have you ever noticed men at a wedding, business meeting or funeral and they are wearing a suit and tie? You can tell immediately which men are business men and that is their normal attire and which men dug the suit and tie out of the back of the closet for the occasion. The men who are used to being in a suit and tie would feel uncomfortable without one. That’s how I feel about high heels. I love shoes and I am most comfortable and confident in heels. Maybe this is because I’m only 5’2” – I don’t know. My point is, always give yourself the advantage by putting yourself inside your comfort zone as often as you can — and this includes your attire. If you are going to a meeting or event that you are nervous about from the start then whatever you do, DO NOT wear something that you don’t feel your best in. That is not the time to wear a shirt for the first time or try a new style or break in a new pair of shoes. If you must wear something new I highly suggest wearing it around your hotel room for a bit. Get a feel for the way it moves. Is there anything annoying you…a label…a button that is bulging… a hemline that is too short? I don’t know how many times I have worn something that probably looked OK to everyone else, but to me I felt like I stood out like a sore thumb.

When you are so focused on how you look or how others may think you look, you rob yourself of being able to relax, converse and show your true colors.For me, its all about the shoes. As I stated before, some men feel comfortable and confident in ties – I feel the same way about high heels. So to give myself that edge of staying inside my comfort zone, I wear heels as often as I can. If I’m going to a function that is formal then I certainly rock the stilettos. A business meeting would call for a nice pair of sensible heels that are either closed toe or peep toe. For a casual event, even if I wear jeans, I will wear heels. I have some great pairs of casual style heels for jeans and I also have some very casual boots with heels.

Let’s say heels are not your thing. Wear what is! If you always wear flats – You can find great dressy flats for formal events, business casual flats for dress slack or skirts to a business meeting and I have seen a ton of cute flats that would go great with casual jeans. The thing is to keep it fun, professional and comfortable.

By having such a vast collection of shoes I can always manage, no matter what the event, to find something that makes me feel like I’m presenting my very best self both inside and out.

If you found this blog helpful, I encourage you to sign up for our email list, send us a note, or comment on our Facebook page. Share with your tweeps on Twitter, LinkedIn or Google + by simply clicking the links at the top of this post. ALSO — If you have any comments or suggestions for future posts that you would be interested in hearing about please leave your comments below.

Three Reasons to Use LinkedIn Groups

Posted by redfeathernetworking on Mar 1, 2012 | 0 comments

“I don’t bother with those LinkedIn groups.” My friend saidto me over lunch the other day. “They’re just another Internet time sucker.” I have to admit, in a way she’s right. As oftoday there are 1,205,405 different groups on LinkedIn. No matter what you’reinterested in, there’s a group for that. Dog Lovers to execs in the C-suite there is something for everyone.

The why and how of using LinkedIn groups can be a verypersonal thing. Someone who is looking for a job should use LinkedIn groupsvery differently from someone who is building a pet grooming business, andagain differently from someone looking for tips on a particular softwareprogram. I’ve pulled together some of the major reasons I see people usingLinkedIn groups so that you might find a reason to use them yourself.

Looking for a Job

Job seekers are allover LinkedIn groups, and it’s not just because they have a lot of time ontheir hands. It’s because making connections, getting to know people, andshowing off your knowledge are all key activities in a job search. LinkedIngroups allow you to make connections with people who otherwise aren’t in yournetwork. On LinkedIn, you can’t just send link requests to random people. Youhave to have something in common. Like, say…. Being in the same LinkedIn group!So if there is a company you really want to work for, join that company’sgroup, or groups that people in that company belong to. Join in on theconversations to get to know them and then you can send them a link request.Disclaimer: It’s tacky to just join groups for the purpose of linking up topeople in the group. You really should join in the discussions and prove yourvalue before you start linking up to everyone.

Marketing your Business

LinkedIn is a great way to market your products or business,but only if you do it the right way. Spamming groups with posts about how greatyou or your product is will only get you kicked out of the group. And while postingyour own blog articles as conversation starters is a common practice in a lotof groups, I personally think it’s akin to being a door-to-door salesman. The first thing you should do when usingLinkedIn groups to market your business is pick the right groups. If you are apool installer, don’t join the pool installer’s group and think you’re going toreach customers. All you’re going to reach there is your competition. Join thegroups for homeowners or about swimming. And then honestly participate in thediscussions. Answer question people post about pools. Post some questionsyourself about what people consider when deciding to put in a pool at theirhome. Display your knowledge and the customers will follow.

Looking for knowledge/help with a problem

For the regular person, this is the number one reason to useLinked In groups. You’re using a new software package and can’t figure out howto use a feature. There is probably aLinkedIn board that will get you an answer faster than the official user forumsor an email to the company. Want to know more about a political candidate? Lookfor the unmoderated LinkedIn forums where you’ll hear opinions from every sideof the issue. Need to keep up with a professional organization you’re in? TheLinkedIn group will send you daily or weekly emails with all of the hottestdiscussion topics.

I personally spend a few hours a week perusing the 20 or soLinkedIn groups that I belong to. It’s usually because the weekly digest emailshows up in my inbox and one of the discussion topics catches my eye. I clickthrough, read the posts, sometimes comment, and then get back to cleaning outmy email Inbox. It doesn’t take me verylong to peruse the top discussions and I’ve often found very useful informationthat I need for my job or my hobbies. Iencourage you to give it a try.

For more help, you can view this LinkIn Tips video that was posted in the LinkedIn Learning Center and shared by LinkedIn on YouTube. This video is actually produced by LinkedIn, not by RFN.

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Are you new to LinkedIn and need help setting up your profile? Join Kelly for the Create and Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile workshop. It’s completely online and only $25 for a 90 minute class session and a personal review of your LinkedIn profile.