In my last post I described how Susan and I are establishing our branding through networking within the community. The idea is to network with a variety of groups, organizations, firms, non profits, and charities in an effort to support our community and raise awareness of our products and services.

I identified what networking is and the best method to networking success: giving value. The following are 5 tips to help you identify what you have to offer that others would find valuable.

5 Tips to Finding Your Value “Give”

1. Make a list of your accomplishments: Don’t be shy in this exercise. Give a full list with details.
2. Make a list of your contacts of influence: Prioritize this list by who you know best and who knows you.
3. List your skill sets: Again do not be shy. Provide everything that is important to building your career.
4. From the first three lists: Analyze and choose what you believe to be the most valuable things you can give to your potential networking partners.
5. Create a plan on how to deliver: Will you utilize a blog or begin a public speaking platform to help benefit your potential networking partners? Identify all of the channels in which you can deliver your value.

In support of people going through life and career transitions, Susan spoke to 55 members of the employment group, Experience Unlimited, in Lafayette, California on June 24, 2008. Her workshop:

“Transition: An Opportunity To Renew Your Possibilities”

1. Learn how your beliefs play a role in the life you create
2. Create a clear vision of the career you wish to build
3. Identify the beliefs that may be holding you back from building this career
4. Learn the steps for developing a strong belief in yourself
5. Identify things you can do to strengthen your belief and release your obstacles

Value of Susan’s Workshop Style

1. Comfortable Atmosphere: Susan’s presentation style and focus come from her heart. Her desire to help people and her ability to create trust through this genuine communication style, combine to create a uninhibited atmosphere for people to participate and “let their hair down” as one attendee noted.

2. Customized Workshop: Susan adjusts her workshops to what she is able to help attendees get in touch with during the presentation. She encourages input and participation–most important she follows up the ideas that come forth during interaction.

3. Instant Intelligence: by allowing each workshop to follow the attendees challenges, Susan is required to think quickly, think deeply, and provide answers on the spot. Her strength is this ability to adapt without skipping a beat.

Crowd Reaction

During the workshop, Susan was able to entice a number of people to tell their “story”, “fear”, or “challenge” to the group. This open forum style had the attendees sharing, helping, and providing feedback valuable to the entire group.

The most interesting responses:

“I have more control than I thought”
“I didn’t know how to plan for a change until now”
“I guess I get in my own way without realizing it”
“When can I attend another one of your workshops?”