Alas, the holiday season has begun and our calendars are filling up with appointments and tasks, all color coded so we can stay organized. Well, at least mine looks like that. Some businesses get super busy during the holidays and have no time (or real need) for networking. Others find business slowing down a bit and need to keep up appearances. It really doesn’t matter how much business you get during the holiday season because you are always networking each time you leave the house. Let’s face it. we all love the “Party Season.” There is no better time of year to meet a whole new army of networkers.

In my previous column (Don’t Be a Judger), I discussed seeing everyone I come in contact with as a potential army of workers vs. judging them as a good fit for me and my business.

In this column, I would like to continue that line of thought and leave you with a few helpful hints on how to stay on top of your business while enjoying the season.

First and foremost is BE POSITIVE! Be the person with the inspirational story about your job or home life. Keep your conversations upbeat and pleasant. Nobody wants to do business or refer business to someone that comes across as complaining or negative. More people will remember you if you leave them inspired by a great story or life experience. Vulnerability always comes across as honesty and in business, honesty is golden.

Map out your holiday season. Look at the parties or events you might be attending and strategically plan out which events are more or less important. That way, if you need to cancel you will know which events can help your business and which events won’t make a difference. Knowledge and smart planning are all ways to keep your business growing.

Check out the invite list. Who will be attending the same parties or events? Who would you like to get

to know better? Who can help your business grow? These are questions you should keep in mind when you are mingling during the holiday season. Networking is based on personal relationships. People will always do business with someone they have a personal connection with even if there might be a better deal out there. Write a list of who you want to make connections with and read it just as you arrive so it’s fresh in your mind. How many times have you wished you connected with so and so when you got home. Be prepared.

Watch how you conduct yourself. Yes, I mean drinking. I am sure you can recall one person who made an ass of themselves at some function, but you can’t remember the person you went with. The important lesson here is that you are always networking, even when you think you’re off the clock.

Just last week, I was out with some colleagues thinking I was, “off the clock!” We attended a party and after got a bite to eat and ended our evening at a local bar. During our time together, we shared stories laughed and joked. Later, when I was thinking about our evening, I thought more on my contributions and the stories I told. I thought, “Is this the person I want them to get to know better?” Was I giving them my best or was I drinking and thinking “oh, this is funny and it will make them like me more!” No damage was done but it did help me realize that the person I believe I am on the inside needs to be present when I am out with the gang on the town.

The holiday season is overwhelming at times. We are shopping, working, and attending events, benefits and parties all while trying to have some down time. With a little pre-planning and organization, you will manage this season with flying colors. This is not the time to let it all go. This is the opportunity to create new business, new colleagues and strengthen relationships with the people in your life. The holiday season is a time to be thankful for what you have and the New Year brings possibilities of what’s to come. Be an inspiration so that people will remember you. When you create your business projections for next year, those people you inspire could be big contributors to your success.

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.

Lunch & Learn, Customer Service, GFLCC
Date: November 8, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Trustee Reception, GFLCC
Date: November 8, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Becker & Poliakoff
3111 Stirling Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Mack Mixer
Date: November 8, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel, Las Olas
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

NonProfit & Business
Breakfast, GFLCC
Date: November 9, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Biz to Biz networking
Date: November 9, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel, Las Olas
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

GLBX Afterhours, GFLCC
Date: November 10, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: To Be Determined

INTRO-Luncheon, GFLCC
Date: November 10, 2011
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel,
620 E Las Olas Blvd

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Salute to Business, GFLCC
Date: November 10, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Pier 66
2301 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Biz Perks, GFLCC
Date: November 11, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location:
1719 E Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Board of Directors/Trustee Luncheon, GFLCC
Date: November 16, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: To Be Announced

Biz to Biz networking
Date: November 16, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: SoLita, Las Olas
1032 E Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Downtown Council
Breakfast, GFLCC
Date: November 17, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Tower Club Atop Regions Bank Bldg
100 SE Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394

Net@Noon, GFLCC
Date: November 25, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Biz to Biz networking
Date: November 30, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Pier 66
2301 SE 17 Street Causeway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Let me take you on my journey to being a leader in our community! This wasn’t an immediate decision I woke up with one day. It started out like a seed and grew into my wonderful rewarding life. In the late 90s, my partner Kevin and I had the opportunity to volunteer at the HRC annual dinner where we heard Al and Tipper Gore speak along with the riveting Maya Angelou (who spoke for 50 minutes when she was only given 10, amazing). That was the first seed!

When we arrived home and looked into joining our local HRC Steering Committee, we discovered there wasn’t much activity in South Florida where HRC was concerned. It wasn’t for several years till we heard about “HRC Club Blue” and we started attending (watering the plant now). In no time at all we were on the HRC South Florida Steering Committee and were working on our first “HRC Boat Parade Fundraiser”. The following year Kevin and I co-chaired the boat parade committee (we were spreading roots).

I have discussed my own efforts in joining the board of directors for several other organizations.

• Business Professional Group “BPG” Networking and Learning

• Gay and lesbian Business Exchange “GLBX” at the Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

• Rainbow Business Coalition “RBC” Uniting the LGBT community with leadership and advocacy

I have also explained in past columns, how I was meeting the LEADERS of our community. These are the people who are making decisions to enhance our city with events like Halloween, next year’s Aids Walk and Pridefest. Taking an active roll on these boards has definitely helped my business grow with visibility and profit. Seed is now a tree!

Kevin and I are on the host committee for “An Evening in Paradise,” a fundraiser for “The Pride Center at Equality Park.” While at the host committee meeting with several leaders in our community, we discussed the marketing material donated by Fastprintz. The previous printer selected wasn’t able to complete the work for us and we needed someone fast to finish the job. Victor Flores, the owner of FastPrintz, is getting a great recognition in our community as the person to go to when you need the job done on time and looking great. Victor is on the board for GLBX and works closely with RBC. Several people in attendance noted his business name and contact information for future printing needs because of the great things they heard at the host committee meeting. Victor is a true leader in our community!

Kevin and I are currently enrolled in a “Self Expression and Leadership Program” at Landmark Education in Dania Beach. In the course, we are learning how WE can all be leaders and impact our communities positively. I am learning the importance of living a full life and making a difference in the lives around me. We are learning skills to communicate in such a way that encourages others to do the same.

While on the course, I have created a project to impact my community in a positive way. Working closely with Mark Ketcham at Sunserve, we have created a NEW fundraising opportunity that will bring in much needed funds for their “Sunserve YOUTH Support Groups” and help bring an end to BULLYING!

Guess what it’s about? Yup, the 21-day challenge with some slight changes to the format. The challenge starts November 21st and runs through December 12.

Rules for the challenge “Kindness Speaks = Bringing Awareness to Words and Put an End to Bullying”:

1. Sign up on Facebook and declare your time period. (21, 14, 10, 7 days).

2. Donate $21 to “Sunserve Youth Support Groups”/donate.

3. Inform the important people around you about the challenge so you can enlist their help.

4. Clean up any negativity, complaining, gossip, criticizing or bullying that arises.

5. Post on the Facebook group page your successes and setbacks. Openly discuss the effects this is having on your life and read about others in the challenge.

6. Join us for the celebration and commiserate with other challengers on the effects “Kindness Speaks” has had on your life. (Not required for the challenge but appreciated.)

Note: Being aware of our words is also just the beginning. When we find ourselves spreading negativity, complaining, gossip, criticizing or bullying, we need to clean it up. Let me explain. We have now declared our challenge to our family, friends and colleagues. Then we start the challenge on November 21st. If, on the second day you gossip with a co-worker. BAM!!! You need to clean it up! Stop the conversation, recognize the words you were using with your coworker and choose to start a new conversation that doesn’t revolve around spreading gossip.

Remember, this is an awareness challenge, not a competition. Our main objective is to Bring Awareness to Words. “Kindness Speaks” could end bulling all together with your help! My Inspirational Stories and Why I Chose to Challenge Myself are on the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245884562128118.

I do hope some of you find inspiration to join me with my “Kindness Speaks” Challenge. I can’t wait to hear how it impacts each and every one of you in your work, networking and your life. It has truly made a remarkable difference in mine.

Oh, and guess who is creating all my marketing material and overall look for “Kindness Speaks?” You guessed it, our community leader and my good friend, Victor Flores. Thanks Victor!

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.

Mack Mixer
Date: October 11, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: To Be Announced
www.mackplanet.com

NonProfit Committee Meeting-GFLCC
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Trustee Reception-GFLCC
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rare Las Olas
401 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

GLBX Luncheon-GFLCC
Date: October 13, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel
620 E Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

INTRO-Luncheon-GFLCC
Date: October 13, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Riverside Hotel
620 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States

BIZ PERKS-GFLCC
Date: October 14, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Edward Jones Investments/ Leann Barber
1719 E.

Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Business After Hours East Side-GFLCC
Date: October 20, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Great Florida Bank – Wilton Station
1201 NE 26th Street Bay 109
Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Member Orientation-FTL-GFLCC
Date: October 21, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Cocktail Fundraiser Smartride
Date: October 21, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Manor
2345 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Downtown Council
Breakfast-GFLCC
Date: October 27, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Tower Club
Atop Regions Bank Bldg
100 Southeast Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394

GLBX Afterhours-GFLCC
Date: October 27, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: To Be Determined

Board of Directors/Trustee Luncheon-GFLCC
Date: October 28, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Embassy Suites – Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
1100 S.E. 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Net@Noon-GFLCC
Date: October 28, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

We have all said it at one time or another.

However, if you are too busy with your current workload to get future business, you are going to have a slow period. Let’s face it; nobody really wants a slow period. A slowdown means you become concerned, stressed both fiscally and emotionally. When we’re busy, it’s the best time to keep up on your networking. You are pumped up, you are confident and you are ready to divide and conquer. Your energy alone will sell itself!

Time management is something everyone works on, pays attention to and gets stressed about. It is vitally important to having a balanced life. With a balanced life, everything you do is more fulfilling. Projects become opportunities versus something you struggle to get done. Work and play time join and become equal. This is what we are all aspiring to. If that’s not where you’re headed, I am here to tell you, you are missing out.

Balancing all that I do is critical because I don’t want it to be just about work. I want to live a fulfilled and powerful life. I discovered this the hard way.

In 2006, the real estate market went haywire and everything changed. In late 2008, the market crashed and I found myself scrambling for income. This was when I learned the importance of networking. If I had only networked and marketed my business during the busy period, I would have had business during the slowdown. Instead, since I worked solely within the mortgage industry (and we all know where that went!), I was faced with reinventing myself.

First thing: I set up my website with Google pay-per-click to generate online traffic in the hopes of getting appraisals from new sources. This really paid off. Today, my website is booming with traffic and I am getting appraisals from divorce attorneys, realtors helping their clients, and homeowners interested in combating their property taxes.

Second: I found another source of income that required me to get out and network my businesses. While out looking for businesses in need of merchant services, I was able to expand my network of colleagues. I met realtors, lawyers and insurance folks that continue to drive appraisals my way.

Third: (and most unexpected), I joined the team at the Chamber encouraging others to network with the Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange. GLBX is the trifecta of networking for me. While being on the board of GLBX and the GLBX Leads group along with membership, I learned the importance of building an army of workers for my business to ensure I do not have another income CRASH!

Networking has turned into something I really enjoy. I have met so many new friends along the way. People I might not have ever come in contact with otherwise, but I’m really happy to have them in my life. Just the other day, I got my tail light replaced at ECO-Friendly Auto Center. The owner, Sully (GLBX Leads Group) is a Harley-ridin’ family guy from Coral Springs, and he couldn’t be more genuine and open to making new friends in the GLBX.

Greg Hardy with Solutions Insurance and Victor Flores with Fastprintz are two people I spend a lot of time with networking. So much so they have become dinner companions, and I look forward to the quality time we share. When I needed marketing material for my SmartRide team fundraisers, I called on my friend Victor and he donated a banner without a second thought.

Speaking of SmartRide, there is a fundraiser for this worthy cause at my home on Oct. 8. (Details on my Facebook page). It’s the perfect place for you to get starting networking yourself. Yes, you’re invited.

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.

BIZ PERKS Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Date: September 9, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Location: The Salvation Army
100 SW 9th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Non-Profit Committee Meeting Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Date: September 14, 2011
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Beach Council Luncheon
Date: September 14, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Westin Hotel
Fort Lauderdale Beach
321 N.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Trustee Reception
Date: September 14, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: City National BANK -
Las Olas Banking Center
450 E Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jazz In The Hall
Date: September 15, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Member Orientation-FTL
Date: September 16, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Downtown Council Breakfast
Date: September 22, 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: September 22, 2011
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Hamilton Gallery
615 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Net@Noon
Date: September 23, 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

It’s that time of year again. Fundraising activities are in full bloom, non-profits are gearing up for their big day in the sun, parties, happy hours and other events are scheduled in the hopes of finding those willing to donate and give back to their community – and we all know someone sponsoring something for their favorite charity.

I have given my time and money to many non-profits. As I discussed in my first column about giving back, those organizations include: HRC (Local Chapter), Rainbow Business Coalition  (Board of Directors), Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange (Board of Directors), Smartride (Rider), Tuesdays Angels (Rider), The Pride Center at Equality Park (Founder), Broward House (Donation), Business Professional Group (Board of Directors) and AidsWalk (Walker). In that column, I told the story about how I was able to join the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce as the Business Development Director for GLBX because of my involvement with the Board of Directors.

In this column, I would like to guide you down the road of Charitable Giving and help you recognize the rewards you might receive in your life, including friends, colleagues, networking relationships, business opportunities and jobs.

When I first started riding my bike for local charities, I discovered how many people I know and work with who shared my interest in riding. As an example, many local business owners are fellow riders and have become clients, networking colleagues and potential clients. My partner, Kevin Murdoch, and I have ridden in the “SmartRide” for 3 years (165 miles from Miami to Key West benefiting HIV/AIDS organizations in Florida). This November, we are doing it again. Earlier this year, we joined the “100% Solution Bike Ride for Life” (220 miles from Las Olas & A1A to Ft. Pierce

benefiting “Tuesdays Angels”). I have learned through riding and giving back how mixing charitable work with business colleagues strengthens relationships. Sometimes, the connections you make have a lasting impact on your life, work and career.

On the ride to Ft. Pierce, we met Jerry Byers. Jerry is an inspiration to me in my life. He is in his 7th decade and is in incredible shape. I am 43 years old and Jerry, who has ridden 13 times in the “100% Solution Ride,” not only finished the 220 miles, but did it an hour faster than I did. While riding, Jerry shared this story of his charitable work and how it created profit for his business. He is a general contractor and volunteers for “The Pride Center at Equality Park” by doing their maintenance and repairs.  Being a giving individual showed the people around him who he is as a person, as well as giving them a glimpse of his strong character. Because of his continued dedication to “The Pride Center,” he earned 2 large remodeling contracts for prominent community leaders.

I know no better example of giving back than Mark Martin and his contribution to “AidsWalk.” Two and a half years ago, Mark volunteered to head up the team, “Club Us”. He led that team to become the largest contributor to the AidsWalk several years running with a grand total of $125,000 to date. His organizational skills, leadership abilities and drive set him apart in our community. Aids Health Foundation was so impressed with Mark Martin and Club Us that when it came to hiring a new Relations & Development Regional Director, the first person they thought of to fill the position was Mark. As Director, Mark did not let them down. Hired only a few months before the 2011 AidsWalk, he was able to produce a highly successful walk raising a total $640,000 – beating all expectations. I am personally looking forward to next year’s event and all he will bring to it. Thanks Mark!

On the walk of charitable giving, you will always find more than you give! You can create opportunities you never thought possible.

You will meet people that will enrich your life. You can make connections that will last a lifetime. So I ask you, are you ready to GIVE BACK?

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant.

Judging! We all do it. ALL DAY LONG! It gets us through the day. Will they buy from me? Are they nice? Will they help my business? Do I like them? All these questions do nothing for our success. All they do is distract us from the most important aspect of our business. We all need to create an army of colleagues to network our businesses!

Everyone we meet at a networking event is a potential “worker”. Judging only stands in the way of gathering more workers for your business.

I recently had a realization about how I lack focus on the present moment and how important it is to always be focused. Kevin and I had to put down our eldest dog not too long ago. He was a 16 year old beautiful chocolate Lab/Retriever mix. Before we were taking him to the vet, I attempted to take Barcly on a walk around the block. While on our walk, I judged the neighbor’s yard on its appearance. WHAM!!! It hit me. How much time do I spend judging and not focusing on what’s important? I immediately turned my attention back to my good (non-judgmental) friend Barcly.

I have been hearing the words “live in the moment” or “be present in life” all around me. Oprah talked about it with Eckhart Tolle when they were talking about his 2 books, “The Power of Now’ and “A New Earth”. My book club discussed it over several months.

Meditation teaches you to clear your mind for this moment. Yoga is about clearing your mind and focus on your movements and breath. All around us, people are seeing the benefits of living in the moment without judgments.

Lately, with my 21 days of positiveness, I have been noticing how much time in my life is spent in the presence of negativity and judgments. Conversations I  am having, people around me, stories I hear, judgments keep popping up making me want to look more closely at my judgments.

My inspiration for this column was a custom tailor I met recently at a networking event. I was wearing a polo and khaki pants and he said, “You don’t wear suits much do you?” I replied “not really, I  have a more casual comfortable feel to what I wear”. He gave me his card, said “If you’re ever in need of a custom suit, let me know”. I didn’t even get a chance to learn more about his business.
I thought about both of our missed opportunities. He could have introduced me to business owners, movers and shakers, decision-makers that can afford a custom suit. If I was living in the moment, I wouldn’t have judged him for judging me. I would have shared my knowledge about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the vast opportunities available for meeting people who CAN afford custom suits.

Just the other day, I was discussing this subject with my friend Kip Reynolds, a Realtor® with Atlantic Properties International. He mentioned a referral he received from another Realtor®. A couple from another country was looking for a home here in town. Past experiences and general gossip about tourists looking for homes in our area left Kip reluctant to call them, not recognizing them as serious buyers. By not giving in to judgments and living in the moment, he made the call. As it turned out, they were really nice people he enjoyed spending time with. They followed all his advice to the “T” and submitted a contract on a home. Most importantly, his army of workers is one person stronger.

I asked my friend Jeff Corbett, a life coach, how can I come up with a plan or contest for myself to eliminate judgments FROM my life. His reply was simple: “Wouldn’t a contest on judgments really just be about judging your judgments?” “Ah, I see what you mean,” I said.

For me, on that one special day with Barlcy, I realized what “Be present in life” really is. For me now, I want live a life in the moment, with fewer judging thoughts and more attention to the  beauty around me enjoying inspirational stories. Seeing everyone I come in contact with as a potential army of workers vs. judging them as a good fit for me and my business. My question to you is, are you judging if this could work for you?

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.

Business Networking Schedule

GLBX Leads Group
August 3, 2011 and August 17, 2011
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Biz to Biz
August 3, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
2400 East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

NonProfit Committee Meeting
August 10, 2011
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Trustee Reception
August 10, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
2000 N. Ocean Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
GLBX Afterhours
August 11, 2011 and August 25, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location To Be Determined

BIZ PERKS
August 12, 2011
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
1922 Cordova Rd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Business Afterhours East Side
August 18, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
China Grill
1881 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Member Orientation-FTL
August 19, 2011
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
512 NE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Biz to Biz
August 24, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Solita Las Olas
1032 East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost: MDGLCC members $35, potential members $45 ($10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). RSVP required: (305) 673-444 or via email at mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

I have had an incredible month since my last column. “Don’t Spread Negativity” has been remarkably well-received, based on all the feedback I have received from friends and colleagues. My life experiment of “21 Consecutive Days Without Negativity, Complaining and Gossip” has really been transforming. Today, I am on day (wait for it, wait for it…) two! Please don’t be alarmed. I feel fantastic about my continuing transformation. It is making a real difference in my life and the effects I am having on the relationships around me.

In my first column, I advised on “The art of networking is about building relationships and making connections”. Since the start of “21 Consecutive Days of Being Positive,” my working relationships have truly strengthened.

This column, along with my continued Facebook updates, has certainly helped. Acquaintances are reaching out, relaying how much they enjoyed my column and appreciate my honesty and vulnerability. Colleagues are noticing and commenting on how being positive appears to have made a difference. They are also sharing how my positive attitude is influencing them to be better individuals. This is a ripple effect I didn’t plan on. BEING positive has created stronger relationships and deeper connections in all aspects of my life.

Recently, a “future client” and I were sharing a discussion about being positive and his co-worker joined in inquiring about our topic. They are “Social Media Marketers,” so he told her about the column and to check out the updates on my Facebook page. She jumped in with excitement and expressed interest in reading up on my 21 days of positiveness.  I felt a real connection and a strong working relationship was created. Then, my “future client” became my “current client” when they confirmed they will be joining the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX) at the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.

Not only is it important to remain positive when your are out there selling your wares, but it’s important to remain positive when someone is selling to you.  I have a friend who is a part owner in a restaurant. When I brought up his merchant account, he suggested I speak with his partner at the restaurant. On a day when I needed a sure thing deal, I decided to pay them a visit. The restaurant wasn’t busy when I arrived, which gave me a good opportunity to present my offer. I informed her who I was and that my friend, her partner, sent me to review their merchant account. She said “no we are all set” so abruptly that, well, it didn’t leave me empowered. I was surprised, since I thought my friend and I had a decent working relationship. I thought she would be interested in the same; instead our conversation was over before it started. I am sharing this story because I believe positivity goes a long way.

Some time ago, when I was appraising homes, I received an appraisal order from a real estate agent here in town. We were acquaintances and just getting to know each other. I completed the appraisal for his client and sent it over. A week or so went by and I got a call from the real estate agent wanting me to send the appraisal to him (by law it can only be emailed to the client). I was on the road and distracted when he called. Without looking into the matter, I assumed I emailed the report directly to the customer and informed the agent he couldn’t get it from me, he would have to get it from his client. This did not sit well with the agent, since he felt he ordered the appraisal. Later, after looking into where it was emailed, I realized the mistake I made.

However, the damage was done! Now, I network with that agent all the time and, sadly, have not received another appraisal from him. It’s important to remain positive even when you are not in the “best of moods or distracted”. You never know who you will be upsetting and how much you will have to work with them in the future.

On a personal note, in mid-June, my partner Kevin and I went on a 10-day vacation with 14 of his family members including his mother, two brothers, sister, spouses, nieces, nephews and significant others. Remember, this was right in the middle of our “21 days”. I have to say I was truly surprised and genuinely thrilled with the effect this had on our family vacation. Everyone welcomed the challenge and the results were surprising. On the flight back from Cost Rica (wonderful country, see my Facebook), my niece expressed how much our discussions on being positive really impacted her. She recognized in her own life where she could really create more positivity and find more enjoyment in both her work and personal life.

When I complete my “21 Days of Being Positive,” please know that doesn’t mean I will start being sarcastic, gossipy or snarky. I want people to see the person I am on the inside, without the negative humor that I have relied on. Sure, I might slip up now and then, but I am really thrilled with the person I am projecting now.

Hint: Social Media Marketing is an essential part of creating business. Facebook and LinkedIn are crucial when you are cultivating new clients. These avenues of connecting with colleagues will build and strengthen your relationships. Social media gives you the ability to get to know prospective clients on a more personal level. You never know, you might gain a friend.

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.