Words can shape how people view you.

by Drew Miller

You never know who is listening. Negativity spreads so easily from one person to another. It’s an uncontrollable virus that lives on and on. Networking is the last place you want to spread negativity.

Networking is your moment to make the best impression, leaving your colleague interested and believing you are the best person in your field.

Recently, I attended a networking event at a restaurant in Hollywood. I was standing near the bar and a Realtor® walked up and placed an order. A mix-up occurred and she got upset. She proceeded to be mean-spirited to the waitress. I found this very disturbing and had a difficult time focusing on the event. Here is a person looking to promote herself as an expert in her field and, without realizing it, she diminished herself by belittling another. Later, I did have a chance to let her know I could hear what she said to the waitress. She was very sorry for her behavior and apologized to me and the waitress. Watch what you say!

Now, I would like to take this opportunity and clean up my own mishaps in a work environment and networking event. Last month, I felt I was put in a position that made me LOOK BAD. I decided to take action. I immediately called two people to get them on my side. I was reassured that I was jumping to conclusions and that it didn’t make me LOOK BAD. I turned and talked with two more people almost immediately. I even called the person who I felt made me LOOK BAD and discussed my feelings with them. They, of course, didn’t understand where I was coming from and explained that was not the intention. I instinctively didn’t feel right about my actions, but couldn’t stop myself from running amuck. Later, after reflecting on my actions, I realized the only person making me look bad was ME. Watch what you say!

Sometimes, I use humor as a tool for people to like me. While networking with good friends and colleagues I made an attempt to be funny. The event was winding down and I joined a circle of people in a conversation. When the time was right, I created a funny story around networking. They seemed to enjoy the story and so I trudged on. Then it happened! My joke turned a corner and I pulled a good friend into the joke. The words were coming out of my mouth and it was too late. I had now said things that put a good friend in an uncomfortable space. Wow! In one instant, I damaged my reputation with the people I care for the most. Watch what you say!

Recently, my partner Kevin and I took several coaching classes at Landmark Education. One of the many things we learned is the power of your word and how words can shape the way people view who you are. Words can influence the people in your life in many different ways, good and bad. This was, as Oprah says, my “Ah Hah” moment. I can no longer not watch what I say!

I recently was told about a blog site that really peaked my interests. Its focus is on changing behavior and documenting the observations and conclusions in a blog. One of the behavioral experiments is “21 Consecutive Days Without Negativity, Complaining and Gossip”. After reading about that experiment, it all came together while I was creating this column. My 21 days without negativity starts today, June 1st. I plan on creating a life for myself without spreading negativity. Now, that means if, on the 16th day I spread the negative word, its back to day 1. You will be able to follow my progress on Facebook. The article states the average person takes 6 months to have 21 consecutive days, but I am hoping I will be able to shed a couple months. Wish me luck and follow my progress. Remember, watch what you say; you never know who is listening!

Article: raptitude.com/experiments/ Landmark Education: landmarkeducation.com/

For Drew’s complete listing of upcoming networking meetings, visit FloridaAgenda.com
Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz

Networking Meeting Calendar

GLBX Leads Group
Meeting at GFLCC
Date: 1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Business Professional Group (BPG)
Date: Each Wednesday
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Hugh’s Catering
4351 NE 12 Terrace, Oakland Park, FL

Non-Profit Committee Meeting
Date: June 8, 2011
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale

Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Oakland Park / Wilton Manors
Luncheon
Date: June 9, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: The Manor
2435 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL

GLBX Afterhours
Date: June 9, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Kings Cup Coffee Supplies &
Equipment
Oakland Park

BIZ PERKS
Date: June 10, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Location: Iberia Bank
1201 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale

Biz to Biz Networking
Date: June 15 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Solita Las Olas
1032 East Las Olas Blvd.,
Fort Lauderdale, FL

FTL/Oakland Park/Wilton Manors
Business After Hours
Date: June 16, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Pops Corn & Yo Mama’s
Ice Cream, Co.
901 East Sunrise Lane,
Fort Lauderdale, FL

New Member Orientation-FTL
Date: June 17, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Greater Ft Lauderdale
Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Beach Council – BOD -
Trustee Luncheon
Date: June 17, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: B Ocean Hotel
999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd

Circle of Excellence Awards
Luncheon 2011
Date: June 21, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: The Signature Grand
6900 W. State Rd. 84
Davie, FL

Downtown Council Breakfast
Date: June 23, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Location: Tower Club Atop Regions
Bank Bldg
100 Southeast Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

GLBX Afterhours
Date: June 23, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: TBD

Net@Noon
Date: June 24, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL