A colleague reports: Who's Got Your Back?

Our colleague, Ann Ranson, recently heard a talk from networking guru, Keith Ferrazzi (the author of "Never Eat Alone"). While Keith was promoting his new book, he did come up with some great ideas important to our networking skills. Ann reports:

"I loved hearing Keith Ferrazzi (this past week) on the Leading News monthly conference call with Patricia Wheeler. He has great energy and passion, and is really into servant leadership – a passion which I share. He has a new book Who’s Got Your Back which sounds great."

"He says that networking is really about relationships, intimacy and generosity. It’s not about working a room. He talked about the importance of developing at least 3 LIFELINE relationships, which he defines as people who have our back:

• People with whom you can let your guard down & be vulnerable.
• People who will do anything for each other’s success.
• People who will be totally honest and will hold us accountable to greatness.

"After you have three, keep working to add one more person – and you must be willing to be vulnerable in seeking and developing these relationships."

"Be willing to ask your LIFELINE relationships the tough questions: how can I be more successful? What do you see that I’m doing that’s preventing my total success? The only acceptable responses are either thank you, or please clarify."

"Prioritize service and generosity…"

Thanks for sharing, Ann. As we have discussed many times, relationships are the key to quality networking and a quality of life.

Relentless

Ann Ranson is a skilled business consultant (www.annranson.com)

Paying the tab

We all meet people for lunch. And if you've read the book, "Never Eat Alone," you may even make it a philosophy.

One of the challenges is the question of who pays the tab. We all want to be polite (see those entries), but there are some things to consider with this item.

If were invited, usually the person who invited you is the host, and, unless something else is agreed to, then they pick up the tab. If you did the inviting, you should pay teh bill.

Of course, if you haven't discussed who is to pay, when the bill comes, always reach for your wallet and offer to pay. If the designated "host" insists, then offer to alternate payment ("my turn next time") or agree to split the tab.

Segments of Seinfeld episodes come to mind here, so be considerate and fair.

As we all know, the meal is just the vehicle for the conversation and the relationship. Not that you shouldn't enjoy the food and atmosphere as well as the company.

Relentless