Chris Mower

Inspiration for a Tuesday Afternoon #3: Dan Pink “Drive”

Chris Mower — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:00:51 +0000

If you search around on YouTube you can find some very excellent videos regarding business and marketing. One such video was created by TheRSA.org. They’ve illustrated a talk given by Dan Pink about what really motivates us at work. This is a must see. Enjoy!

Direct Link: RSA Animate – Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us.

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Post tags: At Work, Determination, Motivational, Video

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How to Brainstorm for Success: Part 2 – Preparing for the Storm

Chris Mower — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:17:39 +0000

This post is the second post in the “How to Brainstorm for Success” series. If you missed the first post, check it out here: “How to Brainstorm for Success: Part 1 – An Introduction to Brainstorming” where we briefly discuss different brainstorming stages.

Have you ever been laying down at night waiting to go to sleep, or been on a nice afternoon walk and the ideas just kept rushing into your head? I’ve been there way too many times. I love it when this happens, but what really drives me nuts is when it happens and I’m not prepared. I’ve since learned to always keep a notebook and pen on my bed stand, and I usually have something to take notes on when I’m out and about.

With that in mind, I’ve prepared a few simple preparation ideas that can help you be prepared for brainstorming. To effectively brainstorm, you don’t need to meet all the criteria I lay out below. These are merely instruments and ideas to cater to an ideal mood and mindset that lets the lightning come down.

Gather the appropriate materials.

Technically speaking, all you need to brainstorm is something to write with and something to write on. I have a legal pad holder and a pen set aside for brainstorming, it doubles as my idea book and a brainstorming book.

I prefer brainstorming with a pen and paper so that my mind is free to roam and write ideas down as they come to me, and some of my ideas come as sketches, shapes, or equations or something that is not easily and quickly recorded on the computer. Working with pen and paper lets me quickly sketch those down. I occasionally use a computer to brainstorm, but I’ve found that it’s too distracting and limits what I can add to my brainstorming paper (more about this in part 3).

Some other good materials to have on hand but that are not necessary are sticky notes, rulers, different colored pens (or colored pencils), and a ~~whoopie cushion~~ soft chair. In my point of view, the fewer distractions you have, the more effective your brainstorming session will be.

» Finish reading How to Brainstorm for Success: Part 2 – Preparing for the Storm at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: At Work, Brainstorm, Creativity, How To

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Inspiration for a Tuesday Afternoon #2: Rethinking Advertising

Chris Mower — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:21 +0000

The internet has opened up a whole new playing field for marketers. Now a lot of people think that marketing online is the same as marketing offline, but there’s so much more to it. The interent allows people to connect with each other in ways that people have never thought of before.

If you browse around from webpage from webpage, you find that most websites have banner ads (mine currently doesn’t, although I am considering it). Banner ads are the standard internet marketing device. They’re easy to make, and when placed in the right locations can provide the supplier and affiliate with mucho mula.

I’d like to introduce you to another style of advertising.

» Finish reading Inspiration for a Tuesday Afternoon #2: Rethinking Advertising at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Creativity, Marketing, User Friendly

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Why Doing Nothing can be Doing More

Chris Mower — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:56:17 +0000

I’m amazed at how many work-a-holics there are in the world. Just today I read a blog post about a guy who was aggravated because he’d heard another man say he was just killing time. “How dare he!” the blog author thought as he considered clobbering the other man. “Doesn’t he know that time is precious, and I don’t have any of it? How dare he be unproductive and do nothing!”

The blog author then proceeds to discuss all the things he does and how he as a serious businessman doesn’t even have the time to sleep. His plan? Free up as much time as he can to do what he wants do and go where he wants to go. But to “waste” time or “kill” time? Forget it. I’m afraid this man is on the road to burnout.

Here are my issues with this type of thinking and why I believe sometimes it’s best to, yes, do nothing.

If You Don’t Take a Break, You’ll Burn Out

To live your life never wasting a moment, but always doing something is tough stuff. We all love a hero, and we all love the stories of people who accomplished great things. Those stories and people are inspiring and they push us to do more and be better people. We assume that to be like these people, we have to work harder and be better than the next guy. We believe that we don’t have any time to waste. To some extent, it is true. You don’t want to sit on an idea forever. Ideas don’t create income. Action creates income.

» Finish reading Why Doing Nothing can be Doing More at ChrisMower.com. »

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How to Brainstorm for Success: Part 1 – An Introduction to Brainstorming

Chris Mower — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:00:48 +0000

This is the first article in a 3-part series about learning to brainstorm.

When I was a kid, my siblings and I would frequently ride our bikes to the local store to buy penny candy (hooray for penny candy!). The store wasn’t too far from us, maybe an 8-minute ride one way. We’d hop on our bikes and tear down the country streets. We lived in a small town, and I loved it.

On a rather sunny afternoon the moisture hung in the air, signaling that a storm was on its way. My siblings and I rode to the store anyway, thinking we’d have plenty of time. As we purchased our penny candy, the rain drops began to fall, lightly at first. A few waves of thunder sounded over the falling rain, and we decided to ride home before the real downpour struck.

As we pedaled like mad toward the second street corner–and the last home-stretch before arriving safely home–the rain poured down endlessly, splatting on the pavement, kicking up more water. As we pedaled like maniacs, our bike tires spit streams of water behind us and onto our backs. Our bags full of penny candy were drenched.

Just moments before reaching the second street corner, we were met with a giant “kablam!” as lightning struck a nearby tree, blowing bark off the tree’s trunk and nearly knocking us off our bikes.

At nearly the same time, my parents pulled up in the pickup truck, literally threw our bikes in the back and us in the cab. We all shook and looked at each other with wide eyes, knowing that we were feet from being struck with lightning.

It was a scene fit for the movies (or at least YouTube), and a storm we will all remember.

The storm that sizzles and jumps around in your head while brainstorming isn’t much different than those few insane moments of ours playing “dodge the lightening.”

Let’s look at a few similarities.

» Finish reading How to Brainstorm for Success: Part 1 – An Introduction to Brainstorming at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Brainstorm, Creativity, How To, Thoughts

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Business IS Personal

Chris Mower — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:18:05 +0000

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there.” I’ve been hearing it for years, and I’ve used it a few times myself. It’s a true phrase. If you’re not careful, once you step foot into the big bad business world, you can get skewered, slathered in BBQ sauce, chewed up, and then spit out. These are reasons that people put up a guard and make business and the ensuing relationships as tough as boot leather.

If you have seen the movie, “You’ve Got Mail” you may recall the line by Joe Fox. In an email to Kathleen Kelly, he says, “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Later in the movie, Kathleen asks Joe, “What’s so wrong with being personal, anyway?” Joe, a little stunned, responds, “Uh, nothing.” Kathleen follows up with, “Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.” (I’ll admit that even though I’m a guy and avidly follow and believe in The Art of Manliness, I still enjoy some of these classic ‘chick flicks.’)

I ask that same question today. What’s so wrong with being personal, anyway? Business is a giant web that connects people (not businesses) together; this means that business today is about building relationships and being personal, even in this dog-eat-dog world.

» Finish reading Business IS Personal at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: At Work, Leadership, Relationships

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Inspiration for a Tuesday Afternoon #1: Work Video

Chris Mower — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:54:16 +0000

Tuesdays are the slowest days for me. To help me cope with that, I’ve decided to create a new blog series called “Inspiration for a Tuesday Afternoon.”

This is the first post in what is to be a long and fruitful relationship with my Tuesday afternoons. Enjoy. (Click the Read More link to see the video.)

» Finish reading Inspiration for a Tuesday Afternoon #1: Work Video at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Creativity, Decisions, Tuesday, Video

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How to Recognize if You’re a Bottleneck, and How to Change It.

Chris Mower — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:22:14 +0000

Among the many things that keep businesses and ideas from succeeded, one of the most obnoxious and frustrating ones are bottlenecks.

The bottleneck in your organization might be a person. It might be a process. It might be your equipment. It might even be a condition in which you work. I’ll be focusing on the aspect of people acting as bottlenecks.

Bottlenecks are good for regulating information—slowing it down. If it weren’t for bottlenecks on our drinks, we’d be forced to guzzle it at a pace we couldn’t handle. Or would we? Wait a second, that’s what cups are for.

It’s amazing that when given a cup, we have the ability to regulate how much liquid we consume at any given time. Every once in a while, the cup spilleth over and you get a juice stain on your nice white shirt, but it doesn’t happen often.

Bottlenecks seem like a good idea, after all nobody likes a juice stain on their shirt. They’re crossing every t and dotting every i. They’re making sure the next guy who receives the information is not going to be drinking from the fire hose. Often, they’re also intent on making sure the product is of top notch quality. It sounds good, doesn’t it? That’s why it’s so easy to become one without knowing.

» Finish reading How to Recognize if You’re a Bottleneck, and How to Change It. at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: How To, Leadership, Self Improvement

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Your Way is the Best Way

Chris Mower — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:28:40 +0000

I’ve seen it time and time again—an idea is born and then a short while later it dies. It’s unfortunate because some of the ideas I hear are nothing short of jaw dropping and life changing.

You probably know what I’m talking about. It’s hard to find someone who’s short of ideas. Most everybody has them. Very few people follow through with them.

Instead of listing all the reasons why ideas never see fruition, I want to focus on one specific reason.

There is no “right way.”

Even though other people have paved the way before and done what you’re hoping to do, it doesn’t mean their way is the right way. It doesn’t even mean that their way is the best way. What it means is that the path they chose worked for them and they found success because they didn’t give up.

» Finish reading Your Way is the Best Way at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Decisions, Determination, Leadership

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You Want Me to Change?! Holy Smokes!

Chris Mower — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:50:03 +0000

If you’re interested in business you know you have to attract customers, some of which will be using your competitor’s product. If you’re interested in leading, you know you have to have followers. If you’re interested in getting someone to change a behavior, you have to be convincing. If you’re wanting to change a person’s thoughts or opinions about something, you have to compel them to change by seeing that what you’re offering is the best for them.

There’s only one problem. People are naturally resistant to change. They don’t like it. Even if it’s better for them, they’ll kick and scream and shake their fists in the air. Why is that?

I think the answer is relatively simple.

» Finish reading You Want Me to Change?! Holy Smokes! at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Emotion, Marketing, Relationships

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A Networking Casestudy with Northwestern Mutual

Chris Mower — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:30:20 +0000

The other day I met with a financial representative from Northwestern Mutual. I’d like to share this “case study” with you as part of my ongoing series on how to network.

I’m happy with my financial situation right now. My wife and I have taken great measures with our finances to accomplish what we consider priorities in our lives–part of which includes living on a cash budget since September with a mere $20 personal spending money each month. Needless to say for someone who likes to spend mula, it’s been a big challenge in self control, but it feels good to bend money to my will instead of money bending me. Moving on…

First Move

At the beginning of last month I received an email from a friend saying he’d given my name and contact information to a financial representative and to expect a call. No issues there, really. I respect my friend and know that he wouldn’t do anything without my best interests in mind. I appreciated the gesture and found that I was a lot more willing to meet with the financial representative because of the email.

» Finish reading A Networking Casestudy with Northwestern Mutual at ChrisMower.com. »

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12 Simple Lessons in Leadership for Those Who Want to Make a Difference

Chris Mower — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:25:38 +0000

There are a lot of people I admire out there who have good values, strong morals and contribute to society. Within that group I have personally observed four individuals who stand out as leaders and movers. These are my observations of their leadership behaviors.

Remarkable leaders…

…are not ashamed of their opinions.

The most successful leaders I know are leaders because they have their opinions and values, and they stick to them. It’s these opinions and values that have caused people to follow them, even if their opinions are unpopular.

…are not too proud to change their opinions.

These same leaders have enough humility to recognize a clearer or better path and abandon ideas and efforts that aren’t working. They realize there’s no point in finishing something that doesn’t benefit anybody.

…attract a following without gimmicks.

Leaders create change and influence people, and they do it without smoke and mirrors. They reach out and help others, they inspire and teach, and they contribute to society and groups. They do this not for self glory and praise, but because they genuinely want others to succeed.

» Finish reading 12 Simple Lessons in Leadership for Those Who Want to Make a Difference at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Leadership, Motivational, Relationships

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5 Ways to Trim the Fat from Your Next Project

Chris Mower — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:56:55 +0000

If you regularly work with clients you understand how easy it is to let a project spin out of control and wind up fatty and huge… we call it scope creep, and before you know it the project’s over budget and shipping late. Avoiding scope creep is a topic in itself, so instead what I offer here are a few ways to counterbalance scope creep and bloated projects.

Most projects start innocently enough. Parameters are set, goals are defined, and work begins. The fat begins when someone says, “Oh wait, what about this…?” and a new feature is added. Then a little while later it happens again and yet another feature is added. Before too long you’ve got a project that should be 150 pounds weighing in at twice its healthy weight: a whopping 300 pounds. That’s the heavy-weight, out-of-breath division. And now you’re dealing with some unhealthy problems:

Your project is sluggish, dragging on and on.
You miss your deadline and it ships late.
You’ve spent more money than you like and earned less than you wanted.
You’ve added a lot of extra fat that’s hard to shed.

Imagine yourself at twice the weight you should be. I’m already a chunky dude… all of a sudden I can’t get out the door. Feeling panicked? That wouldn’t be so uncommon. Those bloated projects create panic in lots of people. So now the goal is to rescue the project and trim off the fat. Do this and watch its metabolism increase–almost overnight!

» Finish reading 5 Ways to Trim the Fat from Your Next Project at ChrisMower.com. »

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Are You Prepared for Layoffs?

Chris Mower — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:11:15 +0000

About a month ago the company I’m working for gathered all 60 of us into a tight meeting room and announced that there would be layoffs in July. It’s not because we’re shrinking or doing poorly, in fact–it’s quite the opposite. It’s because we’re growing. Perhaps on another day I’ll tell you how that works. Those of us who are in management positions already knew what was coming, and it made the meeting all the more interesting because I could sit back and observe the reactions of everyone else.

It helped that the company purchased giant breakfast burritos for everyone and passed them out before the meeting (my idea). Mine was filled with bacon, potatoes, sausage, cheese, and eggs… This of course sounds to you like a tactic to butter people up and soften the blow. And maybe it is… but so what. The truth is at our company, it’s not unusual. Upper management always treats us extremely well with tons of perks, and they’re always transparent about the company’s health.

The burritos were a nice touch, one of those perks. And sure, it probably did soften the blow for a few people.

» Finish reading Are You Prepared for Layoffs? at ChrisMower.com. »

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Entrepreneur Interview: Chris McClain of Chris McClain Productions

Chris Mower — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:25:58 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Chris McClain about his videography business, Chris McClain Productions. One part of life that I absolutely enjoy is the arts, and so I had a great time learning about his work and also seeing some of the great videos… including his latest award-winning film… he’s created for other people. I’ve posted a couple of those videos in this interview.

Enjoy!

Reading time (Full transcript): 12 minutes.
Reading time (main ideas in bold): 3 minutes.
Listening time (Full interview): 23 minutes.

Chris MowerCan you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Chris McClainMy name is Chris McClain. I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am currently 31 years old, married almost 8 years. I have a son on the way coming in the next few weeks. It’s very exciting. And that’s pretty much been occupying most of my time for the last 9 months almost. We’re getting the house ready, child-proof type stuff, buying a crib, baby sheets, clothes, things like that. What else do you want to know about me?
» Finish reading Entrepreneur Interview: Chris McClain of Chris McClain Productions at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: Audio, Creativity, Interviews, Video

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Greater than ‘Me’

Chris Mower — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:15:23 +0000

It’s lunch time at work and a gazillion thoughts are crowding my brain. I figured I’d share some with you, although they’re incomplete and a little chaotic.

What’s my motivation?

Is it money — ?

– so I can buy that big house… and that super cool sports car… and then wine and dine with the rich and famous?
– so I can give to charity and help others… and support my family and help other families… and provide opportunities and support for children all over the world… and provide scholarships and education to people who can’t afford it?

Is it love — ?

– so everyone will love and worship me… and I will be famous with adoring fans… and then I can talk about how great I am to others?
– so others can be loved… find love… and know love?

Is it success — ?

– so I can hang my accomplishments on the wall… and have my name and picture on TIME magazine… and be in the history books?
– so I can teach other people… and lift them up… and strengthen my community, my country, my world?

It’s not wrong to want nice things. And it’s not wrong to own or pursue nice things.
But It’s not right to have the power to help and deny it.
…And it’s not right to sit idly and do nothing.
…And pride. Unbridled pride is damaging and wrong.

And in the end, there’s always a greater cause than ‘me.’ It’s what I can do to help others.

So how can I learn to be motivated not by love, money, or success, but what I can create with them?

And now I’m clicking the button to post this… even though my brain is telling me not to… 3… 2… 1…

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Post tags: Philanthropy, Self Improvement, Thoughts

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Construction in Progress

Chris Mower — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:08:24 +0000

I’m dinking around with WP themes right now and so my blog is changing faces here and there. Don’t act alarmed, and don’t be surprised. Actually, you can if you want, but it won’t do you any good.

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Why You Should Care about Who You Recommend

Chris Mower — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:45:10 +0000

You should care about who you recommend. Everything you do and say reflects on you, and when you recommend somebody, everything they do or say reflects on you too.

When you recommend somebody…

…you’re also recommending their attitude.
If they’re eager to jump in and help, if they’re positive, proactive, encouraging, and happy, that reflects on you.
If they treat their customers or coworkers poorly, if they are mean, or if they are lazy and indifferent, that reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their work.
If their work is stellar, creative, unique and outstanding, that reflects on you.
If their work stinks, it reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their character.
If they’re honest, humble, diligent, and dependable, it reflects on you.
If they are dishonest, backbiting, de-motivating, and callus, that reflects on you too.

…you’re letting others know what ethics, values, and characteristics are important to you.

…you’re letting others know the quality of work you expect from others and give yourself.

…you’re taking a chance. Recommend those who reflect what you believe in and stand for, and you’ll find your recommendation’s worth grow.

Have your say in the comments below.

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Entrepreneur Interview: Abe Niederhauser, Founder of Ads4Africa.org

Chris Mower — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:06 +0000

Abe Niederhauser, Founder of Ads4Africa.org

I was introduced to Abe Niederhauser through my friend and colleague, Travis Washburn, as we toured through Body Worlds 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2008. I was immediately impressed with his down-to-earth yet energetic and creative drive.

A while after we met I learned that he’d launched Ads4Africa.org, a website focused on aiding entrepreneurs in poverty-stricken countries via microfinance loans. This immediately caught my attention as I’ve been following the microfinance work of Muhammad Yunus for years. I was impressed that Abe, probably in his mid-twenties, had such a large vision and was actively engaged in humanitarian work across the world, and that he had found a way to do so from his home with limited finances.

When the opportunity arrived to interview Abe, I quickly jumped at the chance to pick his brain and learn a little about his vision, his values, and his work with Ads4Africa.

I’ve posted our interview below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

» Finish reading Entrepreneur Interview: Abe Niederhauser, Founder of Ads4Africa.org at ChrisMower.com. »

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The W8 Formula

Chris Mower — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:27:09 +0000

In high school and part of college I competed on the forensics team in debate, oratory, humor, drama, and poetry and (pardon me for tooting my own horn) did really well at it. Actually, I lied. I did well in all areas except debate. Debate was a giant thorn in my side and I’d leave the debate floor feeling like I wrestled a hippopotamus in the wallow. So after a couple years, I decided to leave debate behind. But that’s not what this is about; this post is about working towards a goal, and working hard.
Enter the W^8 formula (imagine cool theme song here).

Just in case the image burns your eyes out, here it is in plain text:

The W8 Formula
Working Will Win When Wishy Washy Wishing Won’t.

Okay okay, I admit that it’s a little cheesy (cheesy enough that I gave it it’s own goofy motivational poster). Cheesiness aside, I like it, and it’s easy to remember. My high school forensics coach, Mr. C, taught me the W8 formula and oddly enough, it’s one of the few lessons I remember from high school. The W8 formula works for any goal or ambition.

» Finish reading The W8 Formula at ChrisMower.com. »

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Begin Taking Personal Responsibility

Chris Mower — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:17 +0000

Taking personal responsibility is a subject with which I passionately identify. There’s a difference between taking personal responsibility and blaming yourself. Blaming yourself is letting yourself down and telling yourself that you really stunk it up. It’s pessimistic, degrading, demoralizing, and derogatory. It makes you feel like mud on a rock. Taking responsibility is just the opposite. It’s optimistic and positive. It’s motivating, uplifting, satisfying, and empowering. It allows you to think of and create a path ahead. Take personal responsibility and move forward.

Taking personal responsibility shows maturity.

People who take personal responsibility are a more mature and less selfish than finger pointing blamers. Living up to your own actions and not point the scathing finger of blame at others is a sign of mental maturity. This is one thing that separates us from children.

Each time you take personal responsibility, your roots mature and you’re not blown about by the winds of change as easily. You’re able to make decisions and live with the consequences because you’re stable and ready. You’re mentally prepared for the winds. This can take a lot of courage especially when you’re taking responsibility for something over which you don’t have complete control, such as group or outsourced projects. And because it’s easier to be selfish and point fingers, most people will.

» Finish reading Begin Taking Personal Responsibility at ChrisMower.com. »

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Post tags: At Work, How To, Self Improvement

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J.K. Rowling: Harvard Commencement Speech

Chris Mower — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:15 +0000

J.K. Rowling, author of the best-selling Harry Potter book series, delivers her Commencement Address, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination,” at the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association.

J.K. Rowling’s commencement speech is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. It’s very touching, humble, and deep — she has no desire to prove her brilliance as I’ve seen with other speakers. Because of this she can connect with everybody, not just the scientific or philosophical thinkers, and yet her eloquence and insights let you know that she’s a very intelligent and caring woman; she’s a leader in the greatest respects.

» Finish reading J.K. Rowling: Harvard Commencement Speech at ChrisMower.com. »

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The Greenie Principle

Chris Mower — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:18:58 +0000

Greenie is slang for noob, rookie, greenhorn.

Life is filled with greenie moments. They often happen after you’ve become comfortable where you are. Greenie moments invite progress; they provide opportunity to stretch ourselves and extend past our comfort zones.

If you haven’t had a greenie moment in a while, it’s time to find one. Dormancy is the enemy.

Learn something new, raise your job to the next level, find the next challenge.

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A Need for Ethics

Chris Mower — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:36:51 +0000

More than ever before there’s a need for ethics and basic human decency at work, at home, and in our communites.

In a world of declining morality and kindness we find increased businesses, employers, employees, husbands, and wives looking for self satisfaction and glory. Selfishness is on the rise, and it hurts everyone.

I’m inspired by good men and women who honor and respect each other and themselves. They don’t cheat. They don’t steal. They treat others with respect. They value strong morals and honesty. They concern themselves with others more than their wallet and fame.

We need more of these people today. We need them leading our communities, companies, and government. We need people who dare make respectable, good decisions in the face of opposition. We need people who can lead with integrity and honesty.

Be one of those people.

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Post tags: At Work, Relationships, Self Improvement

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Make Yourself Someone with Whom Others Want to Network

Chris Mower — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:00:47 +0000

Another aspect of networking that I didn’t cover in “How to Network: Getting Started with the Basics” is the importance of being a strong node in someone else’s network.

That’s right, more than just networking with others, you should try to be someone that others want to network with. Sometimes fish do jump in the boat.

Three tips to start you off are being generous, hooking people up, and helping others find opportunities.

You don’t have to spend every last dollar to lure people to you, but don’t be so stingy that your come across as prudish.

Do you have an extra ticket to a game or performance? Use it to hook someone up. Do you know of a job opening? Let others know about it freely without them coming to you. I’ve done this multiple times and it’s been interesting how people will naturally come my way to establish connections.

Help others find opportunities. Opportunities can be anywhere: work, community, schools, volunteer projects, etc.

Evaluate yourself. Are you someone that others want to network with? You can be that person, and when you are, a whole new networking door opens.

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