Last night, at dinner with my friend Eileen, we discussed whether or not every business owner needs a coach. For the most part, my answer is yes. In addition to a coach, you need a mentor as well as, a handful of business savvy friends that you can bounce ideas off of. Here is how…
Every time I speak on the topic of using social media to create relationships, someone, inevitably, asks about the separation between church and state or keeping personal and business contacts separate.
I was fortunate to have worked for two of the best networkers in the world. Domenick Iellimo and Sally Glick both taught me the importance of networking as a business development tool. It wasn’t just about meeting people, but about helping others succeed. It’s about paying it forward. Both of these individuals, both successful in two very different industries, seem to know everyone. They are out there in the world, attending events, having lunches, having breakfast, having dinner…never alone, but with people that they could help.
If you look up the word “social” on Wikipedia, it says: The term Social refers to a characteristic of living organisms (humans in particular, though biologists also apply the term to populations of other animals). It always refers to the interaction of organisms with other organisms and to their collective co-existence, irrespective of whether they are aware of it or not, and irrespective of whether the interaction is voluntary or involuntary.
Growing up, the best part of my childhood was the time that I spent at summer camp. Camp allowed me to be myself. Camp was informal, a refreshing break from the structured learning during the school year. Camp left me with lifelong friends and lessons that I will never forget. From camp fires to swimming lesson to late-night talks after it was “lights out,” camp left me with memories that will stay with me forever. As an adult, I have often longed for that type of camaraderie and environment.