The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.
-Alan Alda
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
New Creative Partnerships
We are delighted to announce several new creative partnerships:
RUSSELL CARPENTER - an Academy Award Winning Cinematographer for Titanic, an esteemed member of the American Society of Cinematographers and Canon Explorer of Light. Russell photographs with sensitivity, grace and beauty, please check out his work on our website.
MARKKU LAHDESMAKI - a multi award winning photographer, celebrated for his creativity and expertise. Markku is completing a project ROBOT.
IN THE WORLD OF GAMING - we are proud to announce our association with several outstanding creative minds - Sam Raimi, Grant Curtis, David L. Cunningham, Mary Lambert, amongst others - stay tuned for updates.
RUSSELL CARPENTER - an Academy Award Winning Cinematographer for Titanic, an esteemed member of the American Society of Cinematographers and Canon Explorer of Light. Russell photographs with sensitivity, grace and beauty, please check out his work on our website.
MARKKU LAHDESMAKI - a multi award winning photographer, celebrated for his creativity and expertise. Markku is completing a project ROBOT.
IN THE WORLD OF GAMING - we are proud to announce our association with several outstanding creative minds - Sam Raimi, Grant Curtis, David L. Cunningham, Mary Lambert, amongst others - stay tuned for updates.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Inspirations...
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.
-Albert Einstein
-Albert Einstein
Friday, October 22, 2010
Time to Get Off the Brandwagon - Seth Godin
Yet another great posting/tip from Seth Godin's blog. I urge you to sign up for his postings his topics are timely, insightful and valuable!
View the posting
View the posting
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Another great posting from Seth Godin...
Do you need a permit?
Where, precisely, do you go in order to get permission to make a dent in the universe?
Check out the posting!
Where, precisely, do you go in order to get permission to make a dent in the universe?
Check out the posting!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Inspirations...
It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.
– Seneca
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
– Albert Einstein
– Seneca
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
– Albert Einstein
Networking Tips
"Networking" is an unfortunate term because it implies connections but ignores the importance of true relationships. Networking isn't about the quantity of contacts you make; it's about the quality of relationships you enjoy. Networking is simply an overused and poorly understood term for exercising good people skills and building good relationships. It isn't something to be whipped out when you need a favor.
Always remember, people do business with those they like and trust. In every interaction and every conversation BE THAT PERSON!
1. Go it alone. When attending networking functions go by yourself or at least communicate to your buddies that you should all fan out. Moving about a networking event solo encourages people to approach you and makes it easy to mingle and initiate conversations. It may be more comfortable to have a friend right there with you, but remember: you are there to grow your network, not hang with the people already in your network.
2. Stand near the registration table. After you have registered and put on your nametag, take advantage of the many opportunities to make small talk with new arrivals after they have signed in. These are the couple of minutes when most people are alone and interested in someone new to communicate with. Even something really easygoing like, "Looks like a good turnout..." is probably good enough to get a friendly conversation started. Remember that like you, people are there to make new contacts. And if they are not, they are in the wrong place.
3. Study the tags. If nametags are preprinted and on display at the registration table, scan the tags of the other attendees to see what opportunities await you. Here’s something, that I have tried myself, if I spot a nametag on the registration table of someone I would like to meet, I ask the people manning the table if I can clip a note to their tag saying I would like to meet them.
4. Circle and scan. Before diving into the event, try circling the room and checking out the nametags for people or companies you definitely want to make contact with while there.
5. Look for people standing alone. These folks may be nervous, and your initiative will often endear you to them. Plus, one‐on‐one networking is the best networking. It is hard to join a group unless invited.
6. Sit between people you do not know well. If the event is a sit‐down affair, do not sit by a friend or business associate. You already know that person! You might be sitting there a while, so make sure you are going to be sitting by someone you can form a new relationship with. Plan who you want to sit by, but wait until the last minute to actually sit down so you can keep making new contacts.
7. Hang out at the food table. I know it sounds like I’m joking, but people tend to be easily accessible around food. Stand near the food table, but not the bar. People tend to grab their drinks and move away from the bar, but are more likely to linger near the food. As people check out the buffet table, small talk comes more easily. "That Danish looks good..." is as good an opener as any. Once they have their hands full, people often look for a flat surface where they can place their plate and beverage. Take a spot next to them and get to chatting.
8. Appreciation notes. Always send an email and handwritten note of appreciation to any new contact you make. This is rare today and always makes you stand out.
9. Find out about a person's personal interest. When you meet someone new, find out something about what the person enjoys outside of work. Many people have passions they enjoy sharing with others.
10. Ask for the best way to stay in touch. When you meet new people, ask the best way to keep in contact. Many people have definite preferences when it comes to hearing from people by phone versus email.
11. Offer to meet for lunch/coffee after an event. Offering to meet a new contact after a business function is a great way to continue a conversation in a more relaxed and focused atmosphere.
12. Suggest introducing people you know to others who would interest them.
Ask new people you meet, "How will I know when I meet someone that you would like to know?" Then when you know two contacts who would be a good match, set up a time for coffee with the three of you.
13. Research always makes networking better. Before you go to a business function, find out who from the organization will be there. Then drop that person a note saying that you look forward to meeting them and learning more about the group.
14. Find more than one connection point after a first meeting, be sure to not only thank them with a note, but also plant the seed for the next meeting. Ask if they are coming to the next function or consider inviting the person as your guest to another organization meeting.
15. Email website links with helpful information. When you learn of something that interests a new contact, send the person an email with a link to information that will be of interest.
16. Comment specifically on their work. There is a difference between sincere compliments and flattery. Flattery is manipulative; a sincere compliment shows that you have taken a genuine interest in what the person does and demonstrate that you want to build a working relationship.
17. Reconnect with at least three people a week. Every week call a client or prospect you have not been in touch with for at least three months. The reason for contacting them can range from just wanting to say "hello" to inviting them to a specific event that will interest them.
Always remember, people do business with those they like and trust. In every interaction and every conversation BE THAT PERSON!
1. Go it alone. When attending networking functions go by yourself or at least communicate to your buddies that you should all fan out. Moving about a networking event solo encourages people to approach you and makes it easy to mingle and initiate conversations. It may be more comfortable to have a friend right there with you, but remember: you are there to grow your network, not hang with the people already in your network.
2. Stand near the registration table. After you have registered and put on your nametag, take advantage of the many opportunities to make small talk with new arrivals after they have signed in. These are the couple of minutes when most people are alone and interested in someone new to communicate with. Even something really easygoing like, "Looks like a good turnout..." is probably good enough to get a friendly conversation started. Remember that like you, people are there to make new contacts. And if they are not, they are in the wrong place.
3. Study the tags. If nametags are preprinted and on display at the registration table, scan the tags of the other attendees to see what opportunities await you. Here’s something, that I have tried myself, if I spot a nametag on the registration table of someone I would like to meet, I ask the people manning the table if I can clip a note to their tag saying I would like to meet them.
4. Circle and scan. Before diving into the event, try circling the room and checking out the nametags for people or companies you definitely want to make contact with while there.
5. Look for people standing alone. These folks may be nervous, and your initiative will often endear you to them. Plus, one‐on‐one networking is the best networking. It is hard to join a group unless invited.
6. Sit between people you do not know well. If the event is a sit‐down affair, do not sit by a friend or business associate. You already know that person! You might be sitting there a while, so make sure you are going to be sitting by someone you can form a new relationship with. Plan who you want to sit by, but wait until the last minute to actually sit down so you can keep making new contacts.
7. Hang out at the food table. I know it sounds like I’m joking, but people tend to be easily accessible around food. Stand near the food table, but not the bar. People tend to grab their drinks and move away from the bar, but are more likely to linger near the food. As people check out the buffet table, small talk comes more easily. "That Danish looks good..." is as good an opener as any. Once they have their hands full, people often look for a flat surface where they can place their plate and beverage. Take a spot next to them and get to chatting.
8. Appreciation notes. Always send an email and handwritten note of appreciation to any new contact you make. This is rare today and always makes you stand out.
9. Find out about a person's personal interest. When you meet someone new, find out something about what the person enjoys outside of work. Many people have passions they enjoy sharing with others.
10. Ask for the best way to stay in touch. When you meet new people, ask the best way to keep in contact. Many people have definite preferences when it comes to hearing from people by phone versus email.
11. Offer to meet for lunch/coffee after an event. Offering to meet a new contact after a business function is a great way to continue a conversation in a more relaxed and focused atmosphere.
12. Suggest introducing people you know to others who would interest them.
Ask new people you meet, "How will I know when I meet someone that you would like to know?" Then when you know two contacts who would be a good match, set up a time for coffee with the three of you.
13. Research always makes networking better. Before you go to a business function, find out who from the organization will be there. Then drop that person a note saying that you look forward to meeting them and learning more about the group.
14. Find more than one connection point after a first meeting, be sure to not only thank them with a note, but also plant the seed for the next meeting. Ask if they are coming to the next function or consider inviting the person as your guest to another organization meeting.
15. Email website links with helpful information. When you learn of something that interests a new contact, send the person an email with a link to information that will be of interest.
16. Comment specifically on their work. There is a difference between sincere compliments and flattery. Flattery is manipulative; a sincere compliment shows that you have taken a genuine interest in what the person does and demonstrate that you want to build a working relationship.
17. Reconnect with at least three people a week. Every week call a client or prospect you have not been in touch with for at least three months. The reason for contacting them can range from just wanting to say "hello" to inviting them to a specific event that will interest them.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Inspirations...
He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.
– Montaigne
The obstacle is the path.
– Zen Saying
– Montaigne
The obstacle is the path.
– Zen Saying
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