Janice Smallwood-McKenzie
'The 101 Commandments of Networking: Common Sense But Not Common Practice' is a unique compilation of tips intended to help improve favorable business and personal interactions. This book provides enlightening advice on the simple practices of networking, kindness, sincerity, and acceptance that will help you to reconsider your current methods of networking.
In a straightforward list format, Ms. Smallwood-McKenzie has outlined several simple concepts to boost all kinds of relationships. With much enthusiasm and honesty she offers a guiding manual for the faltering business person or a participant in society’s rituals of church, business meetings, receptions and career.
This is a creative and compassionate work that includes tips on listening, openness, and even humor. 'The 101 Commandments of Networking: Common Sense But Not Common Practice' is written in an easy-to understand conversational tone and often shares anecdotes from her own experiences to underscore important topics.
Janice Smallwood-McKenzie is a
vibrant, intelligent professional who lives what she believes: we need each
other. Her perpetually joyous and
gracious persona, coupled with her belief, forms the basis for her exceptional
abilities in the area of Networking.
Whether she is talking or writing about Networking, or coaching her
clients, Ms. Smallwood-McKenzie exudes the benefits of individuals effectively
connecting with each other. She became
an expert in effectively connecting with people through many years of
first-hand experience.
Ms. Smallwood McKenzie is a
Networking Coach. Under her tutelage,
some of her clients have been publicly acknowledged by Hillary Clinton, Maya
Angelou, Oprah Winfrey and other notable people across the country.
Ms. Smallwood-McKenzie cultivated
relationships and contacts with some of the most influential people in the
country. Her organizational skills,
initiative and willingness to share information and contacts caused her to
become depended upon by many as a Networking Coach to assist professionals and
small businesses in expanding their personal, business and political bases.
Ms. Smallwood-McKenzie is
respected as a woman who is serious about helping people. She is a trusted and valued resource to
friends and clients for her skills, wisdom and ability to motivate. "-- Her unique style is that of a warm
and wonderful angel who knows how to take care of business and inspire everyone
else to do the same," says syndicated radio show host Candida
Mobley-Wright of Voices, Inc. "She's
a Blessing."
COMMANDMENT NO. 12:
NAME BADGES ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE AND NOT YOUR LEFT HAND SIDE
Sure, it is easier to slap a name badge on the left hand side because, over the years it is customary that while reciting the pledge of allegiance our right hand automatically goes up and over to our left side. Many of us are right-handed, therefore this was our point of operation for many years in school. Upon meeting an individual we extend our right hand for a handshake. If you can imagine this introduction you can also visualize the smoothness that takes place when you look to the right for a name badge when someone does not quite pronounce his/her name clearly enough for you to hear. Now, imagine not hearing an individual clearly and you ask that he/she repeat his/her name and for some reason the name does not register . This situation becomes a bit awkward when you are having difficulties trying to read a name badge that is improperly placed.
COMMANDMENT NO. 17:
I CAN TOP THAT STORY.
Customarily, people share their special and joyous events with us. This is a time to rejoice in their happiness with them. If someone is telling you about the beautiful Lexus he/she received for Christmas, it is not necessary for you to bring up the Mercedes Benz you just got for Christmas last year, this year or the one you are getting next year. Networking Pros please re-read this commandment.
It is imperative that we learn to share in the excitement of others by simply listening and be pleased for the happiness that person is experiencing. Never compete and compare; competition breeds contempt and bitterness, and comparison creates jealousy.
COMMANDMENT NO. 29:
WHEN SOMEONE CALLS YOU, BE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THEIR CALL
A dead voice and response often begets a dead voice and response. I find it difficult to share with non-responsive people which leads me to ask myself, why did I place this call. It is important to put a “smile” in your voice when answering the telephone. Our attitudes are contagious and as the saying goes, “Is yours worth catching?”
COMMANDMENT NO. 37:
TALK TO PEOPLE, NOT AT THEM
Yes, your thought might be what kind of statement is “Talk To People, Not At Them.” It is a very powerful statement and it is often over-looked behavior. It usually falls-in-line with being too sure of yourself, a little arrogant with your station in life i.e. job title, who you think you are based on how much money you have acquired or make, which educational institutions you graduated from, where you live, what you drive and/or any attitude that endorses the “Big I, Little U.”
My suggestion for ridding yourself of this level of thought is (1) remember, where you are in life is not always where you end up, and (2) it is nice to be important. However, as the older generation would share with us, it is still “more important to be nice.”
