Centering the Bubble

Finding balance in our turbulent environment

Over the past few months I have been thinking about finding balance. First the objective was to balance a busy professional life with more time for personal things. In just two weeks, it has swung drastically to the other end of the scale, with lots more time for personal things and seeking balance with professional activities. How quickly life can change!

Being “otherish”

How to focus your giving and take care of yourself

Following last month’s newsletter about asking for help from superconnectors, one reader responded with this question.

As someone who could be considered a superconnector, how do I deal with so many people asking for my help? People want Skype calls or coffees, and this always takes more than 5 minutes of course. If they are just looking for a contact, then I can shoot an email but this is not the type of request I get often. Some people think I am in the HR business and should refer them to companies. So, how to politely refuse or deflect.

Ask for Help from Super-Connectors

Referrals can lead to new clients, new ideas or a new job

Are you looking for new clients, new ideas or a new job and feeling stuck? You have a difficult task, especially if you lack experience or legitimacy in some way.

Networking Across Countries

Learn how to adapt your network for the country where you live / work

Certain vs. uncertain business environments

Did you know that different countries have different approaches to networking? Some countries even have special names for relationship building, for example guanxi in China, blat in Russia and pratik in Haiti.(1)

Meet people through projects

Have a conversation around a topic as a researcher or solution provider

Do you need to connect with people in an area where you have experience, perhaps to generate business or look for a job? Have you considered initiating some kind of research project to provide a credible reason to contact people and give them some benefit in return?

Networking: Coffee not Cocktails

Learn how to create a science-based networking strategy for better results.

Over the past year I have been writing a book, Networking: Coffee not Cocktails. Finally it is released!

You know networking is important – no surprises. A good network can bring new ideas, access resources, raise funds, gain clients, build your reputation and get you promoted. But did you know that having a networking strategy, tailored to your specific objectives and needs, is the game-changer that will enable you to network more effectively?

The Later File

How to respond better to “anxious” emails

Over time I have recognized a pattern with my emails.  I know that some senders or topics are likely to be filled with anxiety, such that upon opening them I become filled with anxiety.  I hate that feeling.

Traditions in the Digital Age

Are traditions kept safe in an era of new technology?

We have just completed another festive Easter week. Celebrating with friends, going to church and watching television reminded me of the many traditions of Easter, a holiday that started 2000 years ago.