September 20th, 2008
By Mark
I visited a meeting of Vistage Chairs in Los Angeles this week. One Vistage Chair shared a few documents that were some of his best practices. This document on networking I thought was well written and worth publishing on my website. I see way too many very talented executives who are not prepared to find a new job. If you follow these steps, you will have a much greater chance of success.
Ten Commandments Of Networking
“Dedicated to the memory and honor of Robert Cannefax
who taught me all about networking and much more”
by
Hayden Claisse
Vistage Chair
San Marino, CA
His email address is heclaisse at sbcglobal dot net
I. Do not ask for a job
In your network contacts (letters, emails, telephone calls) always state that you are interested in expanding your network and learning more about the dynamics of the contact’s industry. This is what every network contact can readily do to help. VERY few, almost none, will know of specific positions for you. If they do, they will surely mention it so you do not need to ask. Do ask for 3-5 names of contacts that can help you expand your network. This is what they can do easily.
Even with executive search people, you should talk in terms of industries of interest and broadly defined roles as next steps in your career – not specific titles. (more…)
September 20th, 2008
By Mark
I was never much of an athlete when I was growing up. It is not that I was terrible. In grade school I was one of the faster kids. With four grade schools feeding into my junior high, the competition improved and my ranking fell. In high school my ranking continued to fall. My demise was not due to raw physical talent, but due to my inability to work hard. I did not have guts. I watched the other kids who had guts and admired them. I knew what hard work was, but I could just not bring myself to do it. (more…)
September 02nd, 2008
By Mark
This is a poem I wrote in a Vistage Chair training class. I am continually reminded how fear gets in the way of good decision making for managers. I am also continually reminded how I am hampered by fear. Of course, I deny the fear in me more than I should. It is easy to attribute your actions or lack of actions on things besides fear when fear is the issue at hand.
========================================================
I want to write about fear.
There is no metal, but the chains are strong.
I am afraid, what will they think? (more…)