Client Handbag Works as Suitcase

So, I headed out of town over the weekend and didn't want to keep up with a lot of luggage. With the airline woes, extra fees and such, I wanted something roomy and easy to carry. I chose my Harley bag from In the Bag (http://www.inthebagshop.com/).

I fit everything for the entire weekend in this purse - change of clothes, products, wallet, passport, book, tickets, the works. With all that inside, it still fit under the seat in front of me, and it was comfortable to carry everywhere. I love this bag!

POSITUS worked with In the Bag to re-envision their strategic plan. We helped them to fine tune their business model, adjust their pricing structure and budget effectively. Additionally, we showed them how to set up their books to provide useful ongoing information to plan and to make those fun game-time decisions small business owners make every day.

NETWORKING TIPS FROM THE NAKED DUO

Meeting new people can be disconcerting for some. Hiking in the mountains last weekend gave it a whole new meaning for me.
My husband and I hiked to a familiar waterfall to picnic. When we arrived, two men were already there fishing along the top. They then proceeded to remove all of their clothing, jump off the top of the waterfall, and swim over to us. They introduced themselves and carried on a lengthy, unselfconscious conversation with us. Did I already mention that they were entirely naked?
While there are surely numerous applications I could draw from this episode, I couldn’t help but think about the awkwardness of networking. In business, we are flung into situations over and over again where we have to come up with engaging things to say to complete strangers. Use these points from the naked duo the next time you’re in a room full of the unknown.
Be genuinely interested in the other person. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and will respond to unfeigned interest from you. Instead of thinking about what you’re going to say next, follow the lead of the conversation and insert comments that pick up the thread.
Give all of your attention to the party in front of you. By maintaining eye contact and facing a person with your body, you convey that you are focused on the moment rather than scanning the room for someone else you may know.
Repeat the person’s name at the close of the conversation to cement it in your mind. While some people recommend saying a person’s name over and over again throughout the interaction, I suspect most people find that creepy and obvious. If your rule is that you must leave the conversation by saluting the other person by name, you will pay attention at the beginning and remember the name throughout.
Create a couple of interesting conversation starters. “So, what do you do?” is NOT one of them. Having a few questions that work for you takes the pressure off at a networking event. You can enter the event knowing how you’re going to start conversations and not freeze under fire.
Wait for an appropriate time to interrupt another conversation. When you see someone you know you’d like to chat with, stand off to the side and make eye contact with them. Wait for the existing conversation to come to a lull and give your party the opportunity to include you in the group.
Surprisingly, the naked duo used all of these tactics to some degree. If nothing else, remember them the next time you’re heading into a networking event. The chuckle alone should make you relax and enjoy.