Getting Organized:  It’s a Personal Decision

By Holly Uverity CPO®, Office Organizers

As I’m writing this, I’m about to enter my 23rd year of business; I started Office Organizers in June of 1993 with the intent to help new businesses set up their offices. As I’ve traveled down this path, I’ve seen great strides in the organizing industry itself.  Where now organizing is mainstream, it wasn’t always so.  In the early 1990s when I introduced myself, people thought I was a union organizer as they had no other frame of reference for the term “professional organizer”.  I spent the first five years of my business explaining what I did.  While the how of organizing has changed over the years, what has never changed for me is the why.  There are so many more resources, both in people and tools, available now than there were ever before but even so, getting organized is and always will be a personal decision. 

As I’ve said countless times, organization exists on a spectrum.  On one end live the people who keep everything and on the other end live the people who keep nothing.  As an aside, I’m not including hoarders in this spectrum as true hoarders suffer from a disorder.  My question to you is:  If organization exists on a spectrum, where do you live?  Are you one extreme, the other extreme, or in the middle?  And does it ever change?  My hope for you is that you are on neither end and that yes, it does change.  As your job, priorities, and your life changes, I hope that your organizational strategies change as well.  If you’ve always worked for someone else and now you’ve started your own business, wouldn’t it make sense that you’d have to re-evaluate everything you do?  From what you do to where you do it, wouldn’t it make sense that you move along that spectrum?  

Networking Disconnect

By Gail Stolzenburg

Are you one of those people who are unsuccessful in networking?  Is it because the people you are talking with are unreceptive?  Does it have to do with your approach?  Are you talking too much about yourself rather than asking questions about them?  Maybe it is a case of “Networking Disconnect”.

Imagine a group of experienced networkers in a room when they are asked, “Who came here today to make contacts, get some referrals, or even make a sale?”  Almost every hand is raised.  Then the question is asked, “Who came here to buy?” and no hand is raised.

They all claim they believe in the Zig Ziglar quote, “You can get anything you want in this life if you just help enough other people get what they want” and they also say that they practice the law of reciprocity.  But their actions speak louder than their words.  They forgot the principles of servant leadership and paying it forward.  That is what’s called a networking disconnect.

Networking requires work and it requires keeping your ego in check by focusing on what you can do for someone else rather than what you can receive in the form of instant gratification.  It requires more of working on yourself than selling yourself to others.  “Attracting and engaging” is better than “pursuing and convincing”.

You have heard that an attitude of service begins at home and that also translates into networking.  It begins when you wake up and look in the mirror.  Are you in your best “state of mind” to attend a networking event?  Your presence and your confidence are what people notice first.  It you are in a lesser “state of mind”, another networking disconnect situation might occur.

People like to tell you about their USP (“unique selling position”).  When they do talk about it, the focus should be on providing solutions, solving problems, and offering resources.  Businesses are about relationships and relationships are built on trust and rapport.  If you go for the close before that trust is built, there is going to be a networking disconnect.  It may be difficult to accept, but people will not care in the least about who you are and what products you have until they know that you sincerely care about who they are and what their problems and needs are.

One of the best or worst examples of the networking disconnect is “upchucking” (also called premature solicitation), where you talk about how great your company is, how great your products are, and how great you are.  The person whom you are talking with may appear to be listening, but the odds are that they have already decided to never get near you again!

Another way to avoid a networking disconnect is to have a reputation for being professional and that you are consistent not just face-to-face but also on social media.  In addition, it helps to be memorable so make sure that your conversation is interesting, that you use effective body language, and that any commitments you make are kept.

Last but not least, make sure that you follow-up in a timely fashion.  You will avoid the all too common way of networking disconnect if you use this simple follow-up formula when meeting new contacts called the 24/7/30.  When you meet someone at a networking event, drop them a note within the first 24 hours; within 7 days connect with them on social media; and, finally, within 30 days reach out to them to set up a face-to-face meeting.  Most importantly, make sure that when you do reach out to them, your communication needs to be memorable, personable, and that it reminds them how you can help them with their needs.  This will help you establish an excellent referral partnership and avoid the disconnect.


Gail “The Connector” Stolzenburg’s new book, “CONNECTIONS:  Contacts to Clients”, was recently released.  For more information, Gail can be contacted by phone at 281-493-1955, by email at Gail@GailStolzenburg.com, or visit his website at www.GailStolzenburg.com. 

PUBLISHER'S COLUMN-MAY 2015

What is your motivation for success?

There are really only two true motivators for success.  They are hope of gain or fear of loss.  By far, fear of loss is a lot stronger.  We all launch our businesses with the hopes of building and growing a business that will work for us and not the other way around.

But, when there is a true fear of failing at that business or whatever your dream is, you commit yourself to that accomplishment.  Ask any of our cover honorees what helped them achieve their success in spite of the odds against them and they will tell you it was their desire and fear of failure.

I have often observed that, “If there was a victory, there had to be a battle.”

My friend and SBT Columnist, Ruben Gonzalez says, “Pursue your goals like a soldier going to battle who is on a mission to succeed!”

I was recently a guest on the “Exit Plan Show” and was asked what my own motivation for success was.  I shared my personal story that began with my desire to prove that my grade point average in high school and college were NOT going to be a reflection of my potential for success in life!!! 

Even though I was lucky if I received a grade of “C” in school, I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished these past 44 years since I left school.  In addition, I have reached most of my professional and life goals and dreams ahead of projection!

This month’s cover honoree, Anthony Ford, has more than overcome his challenges to be the success in life and business that he is today as he leads others following his example!

It is time to let you get started on this month’s very special issue.

Good Reading, Good Sales, & Success to You,

Steve Levine

Executive Publisher