Every now and again, I need to sit down with people I look up to professionally for a cup of coffee and a dose of inspiration. Like anyone, I get stuck in a rut from time to time and need a little push to get me going again. 
Coincidentally, November has been the month where I’ve taken quite a few coffee meetings, lunches, and a few beers, as well. Here are some of the high points from what I’ve learned.
- Think creatively. What is the most inexpensive way to dispense knowledge and share information? How about a book club at your office where you read a book and lead executives through a thirty minute session based on your findings?
- Add value. If you’re meeting with a high-level executive or mentor, think about what they may need to be successful? Find out what they’re passionate about and add some light to the subject. Let them know what is big in your professional environment and why they should be aware of it.
- Why hire an expert when you can do it yourself? This pieces was invaluable for me. Even when you have a great deal of professional respect for the experts, have some confidence in yourself and your gut. It can save you time, money, and improve your standing.
- Don’t be scared to think big. The big ideas are the ones that challenge us to look at matters differently and say “what if…”
- Don’t be scared of criticism. Criticism is a means to find ways to improve the way you work with individuals and groups. Figure it out, get help from others, and make the steps to add value to the relationship.
- Protect your time. Turn off your e-mail alerts, block time to think, write, act, and review your tasks, projects and goals. You’ve got a calendar on your desktop, use it. Just in the past few days, I’ve been more productive by emptying my e-mail box, setting time on my calendar for big tasks, and delegating those that can be handled without me. (Note: I’m not that important that tasks can get done without me.)
- Make tangental connections. After you’ve had a meeting with someone, set another, but bring a friend or business associate who would make sense.
- Set action steps. If you have a meeting of the minds, make sure you follow up on what you have talked about.
- Stay in touch. Don’t do it just once a year and expect to see a value.
I’m sure more will come of this post, so keep an eye out for how I follow through on these goals.
Your Marketing Toolbox 